Kwekers Bode UK 2023

January 31, 2023

• Tree nursery area Zundert is developing rapidly

• Mechanisation and robotisation are undeniably on the rise

• Tree nursery region Zundert dynamic and innovative

• Water, ground, and soil-controlled solutions for the tree nursery

• Plants are not just beautiful, they are indispensable

• Climate change affects the garden, tree nursery, and public green

COLOPHON: This KwekersBode is a cooperation between Uitgever de Bode and GrootGroenPlus | Distribution: Municipalities of Halderberge, Etten-Leur, Rucphen, and Zundert | Print: 54,000 copies | Acquisition: John van Aert | Layout: Jan Bastiaenen | Text contributions: Frank van Suchtelen and Chantal van Kuyck.

THEME TRADE FAIR GROOTGROENPLUS 2023: DYNAMIC AND DIGITAL

The theme of the 33rd edition of the trade fair, which will be held on 4-6 October 2023, is announced: in December, the theme Dynamic and Digital was unanimously chosen.

Current and future-proof

We currently see an enormous movement in the industry, which comes with much digitalisation in all areas. And that digitalisation is very necessary; the industry still experiences a shortage of staff, and sales requires increasingly more effort. That means that resources have to be used wisely. It also requires a certain dynamic within companies, a future-proof vision.

Digitalisation has been a topic in many other industries for quite a while, but in the tree nursery industry it is rather new. Until a few years ago, the fax machine was still a commonly used device.

Now, the industry is changing fast, and digitalisation moves from the office to the work field, for example with mechanisation, automation and robotisationwhich all contribute to expansion and efficiency. And

we can see an exponential growth in this area. Which makes the theme more relevant than ever.

A lot of movement

The role of dynamics is also becoming increasingly more important. Being dynamic, playing into the market conditions, the dynamics between the industry and education, which has to provide educated staff, but also the dynamics within companies. For example when it comes to issues regarding succession, where the younger generation is usually very enthusiastic about the possibilities that digitalisation has to offer. And of course, we also have the dynamics of the modern times. More than ever, it is important to move boundaries, to be prepared for future challenges. These days, costs are increasing at a rapid pace, which means people can spend less, also on green products. At the same time, due to the corona period and of course the climate issues, people are very

aware of the importance of green. That is something that the industry plays into. Each company on its own, but also together, for example through a platform such as GrootGroenPlus.

Future-proof

The theme indicates that the trade fair and the industry are focusing on the future. That we’re looking at it in a positive way. And that the dynamics and digitalisation offer plenty of opportunities and possibilities, and that it is moving forward, despite challenges. Playing into the constant changes and keep moving. And trade fair GrootGroenPlus is the perfect place to show this progress in the green industry.

TREE NURSERY AREA ZUNDERT IS DEVELOPING RAPIDLY

The word ‘Dynamic’, which is part of the GrootGroenPlus 2023 theme, really applies to Zundert. The tree nursery area in and around Zundert is going through many developments. It used to be known for the cultivation of forest and hedge plants, and now it is a sample of the wide range of products grown both in the open soil and under glass. However, the Zundert area has more to offer than just a lot of tree nursery companies. Here we also increasingly more often find frontrunners when it comes to innovation and cooperation.

The position of Zundert in facts and numbers

Of course, labour costs is a major part of the costs that growers and wholesalers/exporters have to deal with. In Zundert, labour costs add up to 563 FTE permanent employees and 495 FTE temporary workers. In Zundert, the total working population comprises of 10,805 persons. With a total of 1,085 FTE, the tree nursery industry in Zundert accounts for 10%. 20% of the working population works in the agricultural industry, and half of that in the tree nursery industry. The total number of FTEs in western Brabant in the tree nursery industry is 1,683. The numbers are based on direct labour. Of course, there is also indirect labour, such as transporters, suppliers and service providers, doing work related to the tree nursery industry.

good. It offers a great opportunity to meet our customers, to connect with new people, and to present our products and novelties.”

He also sees the added value of the Zundert area: “The Zundert area is an important link in the European production of tree nursery products. The production is diverse (young plants, trees, containers), and of high quality. The region is very suitable for the entire market, for both sales and purchases.”

When asked about their export activities, Palussière says: “Minier Nurseries exports to countries throughout Europe. We also have partners throughout the world to exchange and distribute new products.” The current economic situation isn’t easy. Palussière: “We are faced with the energy crisis and an increase in the cost of raw materials, but we are adjusting. There is a need for plants, for private people, governments, and companies. Placing plants in gardens and cities is important. Greening is and remains important.”

Polish market party

The production value of all tree nursery products grown in south-western Brabant is 233 million Euros. 146,5 million Euros came from the tree nursery area Zundert.

Top companies

One of the top companies from France is Pépinières Minier from Beaufort d’Anjou. The combination of the mild climate, the summer heat, and the fertile silt of the Loire River is conducive to the production of hardy and strong plants, with early flowering. Minier offers a very wide assortment of (fruit) trees, shrubs, conifers, climbing plants, bamboos, and grasses. The main specialities are Hibiscus, Hydrangea. Magnolia, Lilac, and Wisteria. Every year, the company exports approximately 4 million adult plants and 10 million young plants. The company has been participating in GrootGroenPlus for years. We asked Olivier Palussière of Minier how important he feels that their participation in GrootGroenPlus is.

“GrootGroenPlus is an important event, because it is a trade fair for professionals in the tree nursery industry. Its location is geographically ideal, within an important production area. The timing is also very

For years, Poland has been a major player when it comes to tree nursery industry products. One of the major companies there is Michał Sutkowski Szkółka Drzew i Krzewów Ozdobnych (Sutkowski) from Sinołęka. This company is active on both the Polish and international markets. They export plants to Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, and Romania.

We also asked Michal Sutkowski about the importance of participation in GrootGroenPlus: “We participate in the trade fair for the first time, which makes it very important to us. We hope to broaden

our sales horizon, to present our offer to new customers, and to meet current customers. I think that it also will be a great time to talk to other producers, and to exchange opinions and experiences. This will allow us to play into the current market situation.”

Sutkowski also sees the added value of the area of Zundert: “Its wide assortment provides the European market with products of the highest, uniform quality. That is often a challenge for other producers from other regions.”

How does Sutkowski see the future of the Polish tree nursery industry?: “The Polish tree nursery is always developing, and continuously improving the quality of the production. By following the market situation, I think that the group of buyers will be able to expand. The Polish tree nursery industry is facing big challenges. The current political situation influences life in all areas. It also poses a threat, due to the resulting increase in prices and production cost, and a decrease in the purchasing power of the consumers. To be able to reach as many buyers as we can, we try to participate in events, and we are focussing more on our marketing activities. Just by playing into the market demand and by supplying goods of the highest quality, Polish tree nurseries can expand their sales opportunities and become a well-known supplier on and beyond the European market.”

Sutkowski continues: “Climate change is also a challenge. The weather is increasingly difficult to predict, there are irregularities beyond our control, and often resulting in huge losses.” However, he also sees opportunities: “The opportunities of the Polish tree nursery industry are still the very competitive prices for high-quality plants. Despite the inflation, the prices of the plants of Polish producers are not increasing that much, and they are still competitive. The tree nursery industry is able to respond fast to the changing requirements of the market, and it is able to adjust to the prevailing dynamics.”

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: Erik Bastiaensen, member of the board

(Source: Van Oers Agro)

“Nationally and internationally, Vincent van Gogh and the flower parade have put Zundert on the map, but also the tree nursery industry, which has had an important position for decades. The industry has experienced major growth, which also benefited the local/regional economy. Things a (small) village can be great in.”

Hoogenraad: “We do not grow plants, we build them” Hoogenraad Handelskwekerijen BV from Ederveen is an important player in the international market. For the KwekersBode, GGP talked to owner Sebastiaan Hoogenraad. The company uses international trade fairs in its marketing strategy. They have been present at GGP for years. “Participation in trade fairs such as GrootGroenPlus is good to stay connected to customers

and suppliers”, says Sebastiaan. “Of course, it has become a meeting point for the European tree nursery industry, so it is very important that we present ourselves. And of course, to feel what is going on in the industry.”

Currently, Hoogenraad supplies over 5 million plants, 3,000 types, of which they produce 1,500 themselves at the nursery in Ederveen. Quality care is an important starting point. Hoogenraad:

“One of our principles is: “We do not grow plants, we build them.” This means that we have to prune them multiple times per season. If our customers receive young, well-rooted plants from us in P9 containers in September, they can be sure that they have been pruned 3 to 4 times, depending on the type.”

Hoogenraad currently exports to all European countries: Scandinavia and from East to South. And also to Korea,

China, and Turkey. If you want to be visible in the international market, you have to distinguish yourself there. Sebastiaan Hoogenraad: “Our assortment of planting materials is wider than the assortment of any other company. It ranges from fruit, forest and hedge plants, planting materials in pots, conifers, shrubs, and perennials. Our smaller order quantity of 80 pieces per type makes us attractive to a lot of companies. And of course we are adding new types every year.”

What does Hoogenraad see for the future of the Dutch tree nursery industry? “In the short term I see a surplus in some products. In general, we expect a healthy green market. The demand for good planting materials is not decreasing, and the use of green will increase in the future. After we lost our biggest market this year, we also see the rise of new markets. As an industry, we have to work towards greening the cities. A threat to the industry is the issue of getting the right people, with the right knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills. We can automate some aspects, and hire international labour, but that is not enough for a sustainable future.”

UW WAARDE VERGROTEN MET DATA

Data gaat een steeds grotere rol spelen bij de boomkwekerijbedrijven. Dat ervaren wij iedere dag. Enerzijds wordt er veel gebruik gemaakt van data op het gebied van teelt, anderzijds zeker ook van financiële data. Wij beschikken over veel data van de sector en verwerken dit in ons advies. Zo kunnen we ondernemers helpen om nog meer uit hun onderneming te halen terwijl zij zichzelf bezighouden met de dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Aan de hand van onze kengetallen ondersteunen wij uw onderneming in de ontwikkelingen. Wilt u graag meer informatie over data gedreven werken? Neem dan vrijblijvend contact met ons op.

Data will play an increasingly more important role in tree nurseries. We experience that every day. On the one hand, we use a lot of data in cultivation, but also when it comes to financial data. We have a lot of data of the industry and integrate this in our advice. That way, we can help entrepreneurs get more out of their business, while they focus on the dayto-day activities. Using our key figures, we support your business in the developments. Would you like more information on data-driven work? Feel free to contact us.

Van Oers Agro

Hofdreef 24, 4881 DR Zundert

Hofdreef 24, 4881 DR Zundert

Hofdreef 24, 4881 DR Zundert

Phone +31 (0) 76 597 88 00 | E. agro@vanoers.nl

Tel. (076) 597 88 00 | E. agro@vanoers.nl

Phone +31 (0) 76 597 88 00 | E. agro@vanoers.nl

VANOERSAGRO.NL

VANOERS-AGRO.NL

Tree nursery Sutkowski

MECHANISATION AND ROBOTISATION ARE UNDENIABLY ON THE RISE

The tree nursery industry is a great industry, which is continuously moving and innovating. Approximately 100 years ago, everything was done by hand, and it required groups of people to plant a field or take down a 25-year-old tree. Nowadays, the right machines can do that in mere minutes. Working more and faster has been the theme of the development of these types of machines for a long time. Recently, tree nurseries have been starting to pay more attention to sustainable growth, integrated crop care, and they also see the added value in mechanical weed control. The soil is the battery of many cultivation companies, and it is important to have a long-term vision for that. It is not a coincidence that the theme of trade fair GrootGroenPlus 2022 was ‘Grounded’!

Nurserymen know how important a great soil structure is to the growth of their crops. If you do not approach that subject with diligent care, for example by using heavy duty materials if that is really not appropriate, it will kill the soil structure, leading to more problems. Recent studies in arable farming have shown that heavy duty machinery has led to at least 3 per cent in lost revenue per year.

To enable integrated crop cultivation, the number of rounds per year on the field will increase. Using the current common machines, this will lead to increased soil compaction. To make use of the right weather circumstances, it is important to have sufficient capacity to perform a round of care. In this day and age, where the weather seems more erratic and workers are scarce, light manned electric tool carriers seem to be the future for the modern grower.

And then, robotisation comes into play. For many, this may be a bridge too far, but for a lot of large companies, this is already the standard. This will also attract a different type of worker. Machines and robots have ceased to only relieve physical labour, and are now also used for smart application of production means, such as water, fertiliser, and protective equipment. Moreover, by making scans and drawing up task cards, it is now possible to determine what it needed for each subject. An advantage if one is working with living materials, such as plants.

Besides the machinery used in the cultivation process itself, other machines are also brought to the market, for example for cleaning purposes in the tree nursery industry and to use on solid surfaces and ground covers.

Avoiding mechanisation is not an option

We asked Rob Jansen of DT Machinery from Oirschot as to why he thought mechanisation was becoming increasingly more necessary. “For many growers, the question whether or not to

apply mechanisation is not a question at all. No mechanisation is not an option, given the lack of workers. If growers can use mechanisation to improve and lighten the work, it will become more attractive and it will become easier to attract workers in this industry. However, the demand for quality and uniformity of plants and trees in the market also has turned mechanisation into a must. I think that our prune/root-balling machine is a great example of this.”

Another question that is presenting itself: is the standard assortment of machines still sufficient, or do we require more customised products? Rob Jansen: “We create our machines in a modular way. The customer can choose what suits him best, which will eventually result in customization. Often, growers purchase large, heavy, fully automated machines,

while light, simple machines would also have been enough to automate the process. Therefore, it is very important to see what needs to be mechanised/ automatised. We play an important role in that. Sometimes, the easier solution offers more efficiency than the fully automated machine, and the other way around. As DTM, we can distinguish ourselves in the market by developing the innovative modular machines, aimed at the tree nursery industry.”

Machines that perform human tasks

DT Machinery is partner of Aigro BV. At Aigro, machines are built that can perform human tasks (robotisation). Rob Jansen explains: “Our robots navigate through the orchard autonomously, using different sensors. The ability to navigate through difficult circumstances makes

them unique. In order to do this, we use robust, proven sensor techniques and components, in combination with smart algorithms to navigate the row of plants.”

At this moment, the Aigro Up is being developed. This is a lightweight work tool carrier, that can perform different tasks, such as mowing and weeding. “This year, the robot will be put to use in standard tree and conifer cultivation,” Rob proudly states.

How is the Dutch situation regarding mechanisation and robotisation, compared to other important tree nursery countries? Rob Jansen feels very positive about this: “Thanks to knowledge and experience, the Netherlands is one of the frontrunners when it comes to the development of robotic solutions in the tree nursery industry. Partly due to that frontrunner position of the Netherlands, many other countries also see the growth potential of this market.”

Mechanical weed control

The tree nursery industry felt the need to use machines to perform specific activities in a more efficient way. Michel Jongenelen of Jongenelen Plants and Agrarische handelsonderneming Jongenelen jumped at the opportunity he saw for his agricultural trading company. The two pillars are mechanical weed control and precision fertilisation. “A good example of playing into the demand is the APV weeding machine, for fast and efficient mechanical weed control,” says Michel. He mentions another example: “Putting the right dose of fertiliser in a pot and using row fertiliser in open soil. And doing this on the right location, that is precision work. That is why we developed machines that do this fast and flawlessly.”

Michel Jongenelen sees an increased demand for mechanisation in the tree nursery industry. He says: “We do notice that people are being careful with their investments. These are uncertain times, and that makes people less willing to invest. However, I am very confident about the future.”

Integrated approach

More and more machines that used to be fuelled by gas or diesel are now electronic. Gebr. Ezendam from Borne and Hens Hinloopen have been experimenting with the development of modular combination devices for the tree nursery industry for a few years now, with

Jongenelen Fertiliser dosers and seed trays

“The people (owners and employees) are the most important capital in our tree nurseries. We have to take care of them, which makes mechanisation and robotisation so important. The work must be pleasurable. Making the work lighter is a must for a modern tree nursery.”

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: Frans van Wanrooij, secretary

“Since there is so much diversity when it comes to plant distance between the different types of growth, it is hard to develop a standard appliance that can be used for all types of growth”, says Hinloopen. “The final result is the Globus SPK03 Multi-E-wagen, a stainless steel vehicle with an electric engine, that can be used to perform multiple tasks. This modular concept promotes an integrated approach. The device can control weeds with a low volume technique (10-40 L/ Ha) and has flexible hoods for ejecting chemical and organic means (for example bacterial preparations). There is also a module for site-specific dosing of plant-stimulating granules and liquids. For mechanical weed control, there are different modules, such as hoes, roller hoes, finger weeders, torsion weeders, and vibrating tine cultivator.”

Hinloopen also sees the increased

interest in mechanisation. “Many growers see that the integrated approach is the approach of the future. What technique or method will be used, depends on the weather conditions.” Hinloopen mentions the management and control of weed and fertiliser in plant or tree environments in the tree nursery industry the biggest expense during the cultivation cycle.

“Saving cost, ergonomic improvements and combating soil compaction are major advantages of this solution,” says Hinloopen.

DT Machinery prune/root-balling machine

but are still very expensive, and legislation needs to be amended to put them to use.”

How does Ezendam feel about robotisation? Hinloopen: “In many types

OdV Techniek Oudesteeg 3A 4053 HV IJzendoorn

Tel +31 (0)6-53101532

The latest development is a heavy-duty drive with an integrated brushless electric motor. The motor is 2100W, 60V; this can be used to create serious E-trikes. The battery pack can be used to hoe for about 13 hours.

Hinloopen: “This modular work tool carriers can be used with multiple modules, that can be easily exchanged. These machines are the predecessors of the robots that are still being developed,

Schoffeltechniek

of cultivation, a robot is still difficult to use, since the soil surface isn’t ‘clean and flat’ enough. We feel that, in the near future, we will still need a driver to use the machine in crop care.”

OdV Techniek Oudesteeg 3A 4053 HV IJzendoorn

Machinebouw

Tel +31 (0)6-53101532

E-mail info@odvtechniek nl

Phone +31 (0)6-53101532 info@odvtechniek.nl

Schoffeltechniek

Hoe technology Machinery

Ezendam Globus E-Trike ETK2000 DT Machinery Aigro success. We talked to Hens Hinloopen, technical advisor at Gebr. Ezendam BV.

Bargam

Bargam zelfrijdende en/of gedragen veldspuit - VAMIL / MIA mogelijk!

Bargam zelfrijdende en/of gedragen veldspuit - VAMIL / MIA mogelijk!

Bargam zelfrijdende en/of gedragen veldspuit - VAMIL / MIA mogelijk!

Bargam zelfrijdende en/of gedragen veldspuit - VAMIL / MIA mogelijk!

Mechanisation

Mechanisatie op maat

Mechanisatie op maat

Mechanisatie op maat

• 22 werkplaatsen voor professionele service

• 22 werkplaatsen voor professionele service

• Dealer/ importeur van Hermeler, Bargam, Fedele en Ortomec

• 22 werkplaatsen voor professionele service

• Dealer/ importeur van Hermeler, Bargam, Fedele en Ortomec

• Onderhoud en keuringen van

• Dealer/ importeur van Hermeler, Bargam, Fedele en Ortomec

• Onderhoud en keuringen van tuinbouwmachines

• Meer info op: www.abemec.nl

• Onderhoud en keuringen van tuinbouwmachines

• Meer info op: www.abemec.nl

Mechanisatie op maat

• 23 werkplaatsen voor professionele service

• Dealer/ importeur van Hermeler, Bargam, Fedele en Ortomec

• Onderhoud en keuringen van

• Meer info op: www.abemec.nl

Garford hoe technology

Hardi spraying technology

TREE NURSERY REGION ZUNDERT DYNAMIC AND INNOVATIVE

The tree nursery area Zundert is vibrant. There are so many initiatives. We see it in the fast developments at the Business Centre Treeport (BCT), but also when we look at business growth. Biodiversity is a hot topic, for example for the Agro biodiversity work group of the Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert U.A. For this edition of the Kwekersbode, GrootGroenPlus (GGP) talked to one of its members; Joyce Oomen of BloomingBusiness.

entrepreneurs aware of the biodiversity opportunities, and to offer them advice. One of the five pilots is the green layout of the main axis of the BCT.”

A great example

Partners and governments worked hard on the Pilot Vitaal Buitengebied (vital countryside) to create countryside in the municipality of Zundert where it is nice to live, have a business, and recreate. This has resulted in a new way of working; ‘Zundert Floreert’. On 10 January, Zundert even won the ‘Aandeslag’ trophy with this (see frame).

Marc Lodders is a nurseryman, owner of Lodders Boomkwekerijen BV and NL Plants BV, member of the board of European Plant Support, and initiator of the Pilot Vitaal Buitengebied. He has been active in the tree nursery industry for almost 40 years, and has been participating in GrootGroenPlus for the 33rd time.

BloomingBusiness originated from a deep passion and fascination for beautifully growing and profusely flowering alternate planting. Joyce Oomen has developed into a fully-fledged partner specialised in providing (multi)coloured plantings for park gardens and festival gardens. As a member of the work group, she participates in the project ‘Biodiversity included’.

Joyce: “The tree nursery industry is looking at site layouts differently

nowadays, looking beyond its own assortment. We feel that the transfer of knowledge is very important here. And we also look at the inspiration book for the arboricultural landscape in Zundert. Thanks to our work group, this inspiration book will partly come to life. As a work group, we also look beyond the tree nursery industry. It is a mix of the right ingredients that make a great menu; this cannot be achieved by just using your own product,” says Joyce Oomen.

An important aspect of the development of the tree nursery area Zundert is the development of the business centres and the new business buildings of tree nursery companies. The work group is working on that too. Joyce Oomen: “This year, GrootGroenPlus’ theme is Dynamic & Digital, which matches our thoughts and goals. For the ‘Biodiversity included’ project, we formed a pilot group of five businesses that we will be working with. The goal of this project is making

In the municipality of Zundert, Marc Lodders is known to set an example. In his company, sustainability is an important aspect. They have been innovative from the start. Marc: “In the past decade, our company has known a healthy growth. When the farm of our neighbour was put up for sale, we started to think about how we could use it. The building block attached to it offered us a chance to expand. Our company is situated in a valley, which isn’t a location to walk into the future in a sustainable way. The warehouses are on two sides of the Oude Lentsebaan, which has often resulted

Municipality of Zundert wins Aandeslag Trophy 2022

The assignment was to keep the countryside of the municipality of Zundert healthy and attractive. Everyone worked on that during the pilot phase, and that has led to some results. It resulted into 250 initiatives, seven area visions, and a new way of cooperating. This way of working will be continued through the project: Zundert Floreert! (Zundert Flourishes!)

On 10 January 2023, the municipality of Zundert has won the Aandeslag Trophy 2022 with this project. Project manager Marien Provoost received this coveted trophy from minister de Jonge. An award that is part of the program ‘Aan de slag met de Omgevingswet’, a cooperation between the municipalities, provinces, and the national government. The government wants to use this new law to create a coherent approach when it comes to living environment, opportunities for local customisation, and better and faster decisions. It will

also improve the participation, for example by including citizens and entrepreneurs in the development of the living environment.

Projects and plants of governments and cooperation with a clear problem-solving capability were eligible for the trophy. The jury nominated the best 3 projects. Zundert was nominated in 2022, which was considered to be an honour by the province of Brabant. The two other nominees were the municipality of Rotterdam and Veenendaal.

The Zundert region has really accepted the challenge that it was presented with. Town councils, the ZLTO, Treeport, industry representatives, province, water authority, and the municipality have joined forces. The participation of so many groups shows how involved the Zundert region is. Together, they developed actual

initiatives and area strategies that are or will become part of the environmental vision. In July 2022, a 3-year pilot was concluded. All parties to the Zundert Floreert! covenant have agreed to continue to work in this way.

According to her Facebook post, mayor Joyce Vermue is very happy with the result and with the cooperation at its core. “Zundert Floreert helps us to create added value in the countryside, along with governments, citizens, entrepreneurs, and organisations. We are proud of the many great physical projects that have resulted from Zundert Floreert, and even more in the joint preparation. But also of the things you do not see: a change in culture, the increased understating and trust, and new cooperation. That is the biggest win. Minister Hugo de Jonge also acknowledged that when he presented the trophy. Thanks to all partners and those involved.” 

BCT has a Digital Twin. This digital presentation of the BCT marks the Plant Market plot.

Transformation of business location to nature area

New natural area

...at the border of Wernhout

Transformation location Lodders Boomkwekerijen BV. Image: Schoenmakers

in traffic-unfriendly and dangerous situations. It is also a dead-end road. We have been trying to get a connection to the Wernhoutseweg for over 15 years. And we realised that we were just not in the right location. The location we are building right now is destined to be a tree nursery development area. That way, we can offer our company a sustainable new start, without hindering other traffic. An additional reason for new construction is that we have successors for our company. I do not want to burden the next generation with the same problems.”

Marc is heavily investing in the development of the natural area in connection to the Schrobbenloop and Aa of Weerijs, combined with water storage and a recreational footpath, more space in the valley. This provides a lot of added value to the surroundings and the community. Through the development of nature, everyone can walk and recreate in the area. Private property will become available to the public space. Marc: “The government tasked us with looking inside of the municipality, or just outside its borders, to find a location that would suit our plans. I printed out a plan of the municipality of Zundert and first marked all the tree nursery lots. That created an image. After that, I marked all the lots of my most important suppliers. That showed us that our company was situated in a huge circle. I shared this drawing with the governments, and eventually, they also agreed that the set-up we chose was the

most sustainable solution. And they also made some requirements! All objects in the valley must be brought down, and it is not allowed to ever create a business there. The ground where the buildings are currently located must be reformed to nature, and the Schrobbenloop must be allowed back to the Aa of Weerijs through a natural slope. We will create all of this in cooperation with water authority the Brabantse Delta. They have the expertise to create a unique piece of nature here. These were a few of the government’s conditions that we had to follow if we wanted to build something new.”

Marc continues his story and tells us about the future after the development of this area: “Trade is logistics, and logistics is trade! Our trading company will continue to show a healthy growth, as will the tree nursery industry. With the new, larger accommodation, we will create more ease within the logistical process. It offers us more opportunities to provide our customers with additional services. And when it comes to production; governments want more green. With all the European plans in place, we must take a critical look at our

production process, and determine if it is still the right method. If we are looking at vegetable and fruit industries, we see major changes in the production process. We have to learn from that, and be flexible. This means that we will require more provisions that support the cultivation in the first part of the production process. National laws and regulations will probably make it hard to continue producing the traditional way. I think that we will start using new techniques. That means that we require another type of employee. In about ten years, robotisation and digitalisation will have taken over most of the day-to-day business. That doesn’t mean that we don’t need any people anymore, but it does mean that we also need technical people, who are able to program and control the robots, drones, etc. There will continue to be a large part of manual labour, so we still need the employees. That is something we also see in other industries, even though they are far ahead when it comes to robotisation and digitalisation.”

Marc offers entrepreneurs a word of advice: “By sharing ideas and thinking

big, you can achieve a lot together. Don’t just think for yourself, but also make sure that you are looking around. That will allow others to also get involved with the project. It’s not your own, it’s a joint venture. In the end, that will help many parties.”

Plant Market

Plant Market has also been an active participant of GGP for quite some years. Plant Market is a European platform for purchasing and selling garden plants and tree nursery products. During the 2022 edition of the trade fair, they signed for a new location at the BCT. We talked about that with Fons van Wezel; member of the board.

Fons: “Zundert has a lot of tree nurseries with a wide assortment, which makes this the best location for us. From our Hazerswoude-Boskoop location, we bring additional assortment to Zundert on a daily basis. The current location is too small, and it cannot be expanded. The increased number and type of orders, smaller numbers and more types per order, means that we need more floor space to be able to process all orders. We’ve also reached a maximum when it comes to the number of safe traffic movements. That is why we have opted for a move to the BCT.”

We asked him about the expectations for the next 10 years. Fons: “As a wholesaler, we are transforming into a service provider in the tree nursery industry. At the BCT, we will be able to expand our services when it comes to logistics and fulfilment (order processing web shops). We used to purchase products for customers at suppliers, now we sell on behalf of suppliers to customers throughout Europe. By using our online platform, the customer can immediately see what is for sale, and he will combine all products in one order. We will make sure everything is packed and checked and delivered to the customer. I expect that there will be more transparency; the customer knows the supplier, but will still use us because of our added value. Transparent management, with cooperation as an important tool; I see a more sustainable use of logistics, spaces, and stock.”

you combine the green product and the physical and digital opportunities the right way, it can create a very good dynamic. That is the dynamic required to create a firm foundation for the future as producer and supplier.”

What does Plant Market hope to achieve with the choice made in 2022? Fons: “We hope to improve the efficiency of the supply chain and the sales of regional tree nursery products within Europe. The BCT has a very favourable location, as a connection between the other tree nursery areas and individual nurserymen. Alongside the most important North-South route, and close to the East-West route; it is a great location that allows for a quick stop to deliver or pick up.”

“If

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: David Bömer, chairman

WATER, GROUND, AND SOIL-CONTROLLED SOLUTIONS FOR THE TREE NURSERY

Water, ground, and soil-controlled solutions create a lot of dynamics in the tree nursery industry. This applies to both the location and solutions in cultivation and mechanisation. Due to rules and regulations, such as the 7th Dutch action program regarding the Nitrates directive and PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), there are increasingly more questions regarding the use of land, the use of the soil and the use of water. Shortage of ground, soil, and water has led to the (faster) creation of solutions. Companies are moving to other locations, or install facilities for computer-controlled distribution of water, extract crops from the ground, manage the health of the soil by feeding according to needs, via so-called task maps, for which they use drones. In short, a more efficient use of water, available grounds, but also the soil. A good example of efficient water usage is setting up plots with level-controlled drainage.

Level-controlled drainage

With climate change, we need to take into account longer periods with rain, but also longer periods of drought. That is why tree nurseries have to handle water management on their plots differently. During periods with heavy rain, it must be possible to drain the water. During prolonged periods of drought, the water must be kept in the soil for as long as possible.

That can be done with level-controlled drainage. As opposed to classic drainage, where the water flows to a drain year after year, in level-controlled drainage, the drainage pipes flow into a main pipe. That main pipe ends up in a special pit. Tree nurseries can use that pit

to set the ground water level of a plot. If it is necessary for the cultivation, the ground water level of a plot can be lowered. After the work has been completed, the water can be held at the plot, which means that less irrigation is necessary and no water will be wasted. It also has a positive effect on the nitrogen balance in the soil and the watercourse. The water drains off less quickly, which means that fewer nutrients are discharged through the water. Does it only come with advantages? Level-controlled drainage can cost more than regular drainage. How much depends on the size and form of the plot and the slope. That also determines how many pits are required. However, this type of drainage is well worth considering.

Major challenges

One of the companies which are considering which water, ground, and soil-controlled solutions may be available and suitable is Huverba BV, located in Opheusden. On 120 hectares of fertile clay soil, they grow a large assortment of trees and shrubs, both in open soil and in containers. This wide assortment includes standard trees that have been replanted 2 - 4 times, topiary trees, multi-stemmed trees, shrubs, plants, etc. The target groups are landscapers, gardeners, landscape architects, contractors, maintenance companies, traders, and fellow growers.

Huverba invests in technique and knowledge for sustainability reasons. To create a resilient crop, strategic choices need to be made. Like a strategic choice of cultivation medium, planting material, and cultivation conditions. The modern cultivation floors help to prevent mould and minimise the wastage of excess water.

As an entrepreneur, to what extent do you have to deal with water, ground, and soil-controlled solutions? That is a

question we asked Gijsbert Arends from Huverba. “Looking at the last few years, and taking into account the extreme weather and influences, we are facing many huge challenges. Last summer, we had to irrigate a lot, to keep the product growing, and currently, we have to get rid of the water.” “Therefore,” says Arends, “all of our plots are equipped with drainage, and we want to build a pit on every plot, which makes it easier to water the plants during the summer.”

Solutions that are being investigated right now, partly implemented, are these seen as really necessary? Arends: “Absolutely, if you want to continue growing crops, you have to take into account the extreme weather!” When it comes to solutions, we are also thinking about progressive and innovative options. Gijsberts Arends gives us an example: “All our sand plots have drip irrigation, and we also want to apply this to the clay plots. Looking for solutions

dr. Gerard Ros

“A healthy soil life increases resilience against many diseases and plagues. More trees and shrubs provide additional biodiversity and help water integrate in the soil much better. Maintaining a sufficient amount of quality water is a shared responsibility of corporate life, government, and citizens.”

to problems related to water, ground, and soil has been a hot item in the past few years, and most growers are working on this.”

Open Bomen Index important for measuring and interpreting of soil quality

An important aspect is the quality of the soil, which experiences increasing pressure. A good soil quality is the basis for any tree nursery company. Many farmers, including tree nurseries, are worried about the changes in the quality of the soil. They are worried about the decreasing quality as a result of climate change, the use of heavy machinery, and the effects of pesticides on soil life. To keep an eye on the soil quality, and to learn what measures are necessary to maintain a good soil quality, Rabobank, A.S.R., and Vitens initiated the creation of the Open Bomen Index (OBI, Open Tree Index). This is a standard for measuring and interpreting the quality of the soil of agricultural plots. OBI has been developed in cooperation with all tree experts in the Netherlands, and as of 2020, it is managed by an independent foundation. Its goal is to make the soil more sustainable. As a result, agricultural entrepreneurs (including tree nurseries), and the drinking water supply should benefit from this.

Customisation

We asked dr. Gerard Ros from Wageningen University and the Nutriënten Management Instituut, who initiated the method and is very closely connected with OBI, about how OBI is different from other measuring methods. “Existing soil tools are almost always focused on a specific part of the soil; the relationship with a good crop production and the use of it is something that is hardly taken into account, and can cost

a lot of money, since measurements are expensive. This is not the case for OBI. The OBI offers customisation by mapping out the desired situation for all plots, so that the soil quality can be improved and the crops can grow well. All the important processes in the soil that ensure that sufficient nutrients and water are available are discussed. It also takes into consideration the role and contribution of the soil life. The OBI presents any bottlenecks and advises on how to solve these.” OBI isn’t philanthropy, right?

Gerard Ros: “No, but the OBI foundation does want to work on a concrete action perspective for a healthy soil, and make all knowledge available, so everyone in the Netherlands has the opportunity to actively work on sustainable soil management. And since the OBI uses current and open data, the use of the OBI is free. It doesn’t charge any additional costs.”

Getting insight into the soil quality is very important to tree nurseries, since it helps them to ensure a fertile soil with sufficient nutrients and water, where rooting is not hindered. On top of that, it is important to look forward and to limit the loss of nitrogen and phosphate to the ground and surface water. Gerard Ros also indicates that the uniform and scientific methodology also ensures that there is a solid basis for working on solutions. “The OBI application offers the tree grower an opportunity to record data in a systematic way, and this monitor the quality of the soil. That way, every participant contributes to the development of new knowledge, to further manage the soil.”

Tree nurseries that want to participate in this project can register through the Open Bomen Index website: www.openbodemindex.nl/doe-mee

GoTech Installatietechniek

GoTech, a wholesaler and installation company in irrigation and electrical engineering in Zundert. The company was founded 25 years ago by Toon and Margo Goverden.

The company develops multiple products for the purification and maintenance of water. Iron removal installations, reverse osmosis, UV units, fertilisation units, pump sets, sprinklers, aeration equipment, etc. Gotech literally provides everything from the source to the end product. All made to measure, which means that no project is the same. “The work is very diverse. One day, you are installing sewer pipes, the other day you are installing software. It is never just one standard installation. That provides special challenges.” They are also very proud of the Gotech office building. “We designed and renovated the office building ourselves. We opted for a very large warehouse, with enough space to store everything and

to also work there. Currently, we have six thousand different types of materials and products in the warehouse. The renovation work was conducted while also doing our regular work. It took a lot of time at night, which was hard sometimes.” We’ve had our ups and downs, but that is part of the deal. Of course, we are looking at the future. So in the next 25 years, Goverden would like the business to grow further. “Our son is slowly taking over, because the plan is that he will take over the entire company in a few years.”

Huverba drip irrigation

PLANTS ARE NOT JUST BEAUTIFUL, THEY ARE INDISPENSABLE

“Green is life, and tree nurseries take care of that”; even though this slogan originated in the past century, it is still current. Numerous scientific studies have proven that trees, hedges, and plants are an essential part of a good living environment.

the colour, and often the season. Many ideas neatly displayed at hand height on themed tables.

Green in the city and in village centres improves the environment and creates a rich biodiversity. It reduces air pollution, provides water storage, dampens noise pollution, and provides cooling in hot periods. This KwekersBode has mentioned it a couple of times, but we cannot emphasise it enough: green is essential to a climate-resistant, sustainable environment. Researcher ir. Sjerp de Vries from the WUR (Wageningen University Research) says, based on many studies: “Green reduces stress; just looking at nature can calm people down. Green stimulates meetings between people and enables more varied child’s play. The effects of a green environment on people’s health is becoming increasingly more obvious.”

One of GGP’s slogans is: “The green future is something you create!” And it is fun! You don’t need a green thumb for a pleasant garden or patio. You can find information and examples everywhere. And if you don’t feel like designing or maintaining your garden, or don’t have the time to do that, there are many skilled gardeners in the immediate vicinity who are happy to assist you with advice and action.

When it comes to marketing of garden plants, it is no longer about just the plant. Tree nurseries add great information about the application to the label. If you look at perennials in a garden centre, you can see that they are often no longer sorted in alphabetical order, but in order of application, the function in the garden,

Approximately 50 growers of perennials have united in ‘Perennial Power’. Among them, participants of trade fair GrootGroenPlus. The goal of Perennial Power is putting all aspects of the perennial in the spotlight, both for retail and the consumer. Perennials do not require a lot of maintenance, and many perennials attract bees and butterflies. Varied planting, with many different species, adds a little extra to the garden. Perennials are essential in the garden or on the balcony or terrace. They have a long flowering period, throughout the seasons. That is why well-selected planting can be enjoyed throughout the year. If combined with trees, shrubs, hedges and flower bulbs, there will be something to enjoy the entire year. We see a trend that consumers like to experience their garden on every day of the year; they want to see something nice every month.

Senses

Whoever purchases plants is also

susceptible to emotion. A few years ago, grower Ad van Heesbeen of trade fair participant ASRA Plant developed a concept that he referred to as ‘Sense of Nature’. That concept offered another dimension to the plants. They were linked with experiential value. ‘Sense of Nature’ has five plant groups, which are hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling. Every group refers to one of the senses. However, a plant can suit multiple senses. “Skimmia for example”, says Ad, “fits in with seeing and smelling. We often forget that last sense, because the plant is connected to Christmas, and we know it smells good. It is all about the experience. For every feeling, every moment, and every place, there is a suitable plant.” A selection of the assortment includes multiple special species of Euonymus, Choisya, Pieris, Stokesia, and Viburnum.

Mediterranean plants

We also asked Jac Niekerk BV for advice, who has specialised in Mediterranean plants since the end of the last century. Antonello Tagliabue, who is responsible for sales, spoke to us. He is half Dutch and half Italian, and that has certainly helped to better understand his customers when he started selling plants in 1990, with an area ranging from Boskoop to Pistoia. In 2010, he started Floranord; a group of tree nurseries in the Northern part of Italy.

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus:

Corianne Oudijk, treasurer

“What would you consider to be a good, modern slogan to convince consumers to plant more green? Send it to info@grootgroenplus.nl, and we will reward the best entry with a fitting green present!”

Vollegronds plantgoedleverancier van ongeveer 60 soorten voornamelijk groenblijvende heesters zoals:

Prunus laur. - Ilex - Osmanthus - Elaeagnus - Magnolia

Supplier of open soil planting materials in approximately 60 types of mainly evergreen shrubs, such as: Prunus laur. - Ilex - Osmanthus - ElaeagnusMagnolia - Photinia - Thuja etc.

Photinia - Thuja enz.

Also multiple.Prunus. laur.types in C20.

Tevens div. Prunus laur. Soorten in C20.

Bert van Exsel

Antonello likes to visit the tree nursery to find new varieties or different shapes, and he likes to guide his customers during a nursery trip through Italy.

The Mediterranean plants form a colourful contribution to our gardens. A piece of southern Europe at our back door. But what plants are we talking about? Antonello Tagliabue says: “These are the wild plants growing in Mediterranean countries, such as cacti and succulents, olive trees, fig trees, oleanders, palms, bananas, Bougainvillea, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Quercus ilex, Quercus suber, Magnolia grandiflora, and many other species.”

We asked him if these plants are suitable for the western European climate, or even more towards the east. Antonello: “The European climate has changed in the past ten years, and that is why plants have become more resistant. There are plants for larger gardens, but also for smaller gardens, and products for the balcony or terrace. Depending on the available space, the customer can choose from large trees and large plants, but we also have the same

species available in smaller pots for the terrace or balcony. The plants we sell and recommend can be easily planted in the Netherlands. They are no threat when it comes to transferring plagues or diseases.”

Does Antonello see a clear increase in the demand for Mediterranean plants?

“The revenue from Mediterranean plants has increased a lot in the past few years, the consumer is looking for its own piece of southern European Mediterranean atmosphere. It is worth your while to check out the garden centre for that. Look closely at the description of the plant. Some plants are used to warmer climates and need a bit of extra attention during the winter.”

Greening is a trend

One of GGP’s slogans is: The green future is something you create! Is the owner of that garden so busy with its own garden? We asked Bert van Exsel of BVE Tuinen in Zundert. Does he see a trend in greening gardens? Can you give us some guidance on that?

Bert van Exsel: “Yes, I see a lot of that. As gardener, I have transformed multiple

gardens from fully tiled to green in the past few years. If they ask for advice, I give it to them, but most people already know what they want. I try to give that to them as much as possible. And if the customer doesn’t want a green garden, that’s fine, I’ll give them what they want.”

What are the trends he currently sees?

“That’s mostly neat gardens with a lot of the same plants. Borders are planted full with evergreen hedge plants, with little maintenance, only some weeding, and pruning twice a year. Most people ask for a low-maintenance garden, but that really doesn’t exist.”

And with all the recent rain coming down, we want to know if he has noticed a decrease in the demand for tiled gardens. The answer is ‘yes’. “However, terraces, paths, and driveways will always remain. People often find it hard to use a lot of green in small gardens, and I try to give them good advice on that.”

Bert van Exsel is mainly active in the western Brabant area. What plants are best suitable for the types of soil in western Brabant? “We see a lot of forest plants and hedge plants”, says Bert, “but I took over a planting nursery with evergreen species last year. The Eleagnus is for example a good plant suitable for dry summers.”

That step requires some explanation. The tree nursery industry is not new to him, and it keeps pulling him in. What is it that he wants to do exactly, and what are the target groups? Bert: “I have worked in a tree nursery from the age of 13 up until I was 25. At that time, I wanted to do something for myself. My father already did some garden work, and I started my own company as well. I rented a piece of land from my father-in-law in Rucphen to grow some plants myself, and to use these in the gardens that I create. I’ve always had a fondness for something that is a bit different. As I mentioned in

the previous question, last year I took over a planting nursery from Boeren-Ros in Sprundel. I used to buy planting materials from their nursery. I really connected with these people. They didn’t have succession, and asked if I would be interested in taking over the company. This was a dream come true for me. It is not easy to start a tree nursery in this day and age. Last year, I put my first plantings in the soil in Sprundel. I can use the professional expertise of Boeren-Ros and combine it with my own experience. We turn a plant from a cutting into biennial planting material. We do this for the companies that plant our plants for root-ball plants, or put them in pots. We do not necessarily grown the standard species, but we do have a more expanded assortment. It is always difficult to determine how much to plant of every type, this continues to be a bit of a gamble. It takes approximately 4-5 years to go from cutting to a fully-fledged plant that can be bought by the customer. So it is hard to predict what will be attractive by then.” 

Stokesia ‘Mega Mels’® sense presentation

CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS THE GARDEN, TREE NURSERY, AND PUBLIC GREEN

The changes in our climate have a direct impact on the layout of our gardens, the layout and growing policy of tree nurseries. For municipalities, it is very important to adjust their green policy to these changes. How do you handle abundant rainfall, severe drought, increasing heat, the need for more biodiversity and better air quality?

green living environment? Even on a small balcony, you can contribute with a few flowery pots. When considering a garden that is attuned to the current climate change, the term ‘climate garden’ is coined. These gardens resist the climate changes that we can expect, such as general warming, and more and longer periods of drought and they protect us against negative influences.

Not a tiled garden

protected against changes and plagues. So it is important to support biodiversity in your garden.”

What is better than a green garden to recreate, or a green environment to live and work in? It sounds simple, but it requires a lot. Our living environment is changing at a rapid pace: plant and animal species are disappearing, and living systems get disturbed. That is why every square meter of tile that is replaced by green counts, both in private and public spaces. It ensures that the water sinks back into the soil, tempers the temperature in the city, particulate matter is captured, insects, amphibians, birds, and small animals find a habitat again, soil life improves, and people feel more comfortable and healthier.

How can we contribute to that good

A good start is abandoning the idea that a tiled garden is low-maintenance, and to remove ‘unnecessary’ hardening and replace it by natural materials that are water-permeable, sustainable, ecological, and circular. It is even better to use that space for varied plants. For example plants that attract butterflies, shrubs and hedges that offer a safe space for birds, and more. And a garden without tiles is cooler when it gets hot. We are also talking about adding biodiversity.

“Gardens are a big part of the Netherlands. That is why growers can play an important part in increasing biodiversity”, says a representative of the AVVN, the association of garden lovers and allotment gardeners, which wants to encourage natural and cooperative gardening in the Netherlands. “That’s not just good for nature, but also for you as a gardener. If there is a lot of diversity in animals in your garden, it means that you have a good natural balance in your garden. A good natural balance means less work. The garden will be better

If we want to do that, it means that you take into account the properties of the trees and plants you want to put into your garden. Trees and shrubs are very suitable for contributing to biodiversity, but also have properties that are very useful when it comes to resistance to drought. As owner of a garden, you can get great advice on the choice of plants at many locations, for example at a garden centre.

Tree nurseries are increasingly more aware of the consequences of climate change. GGP talked about that with participant De Buurte Kwekerijen BV. With 275 hectares of open soil cultivation in four locations - in Oene, Uddel, Twello, and Heerde, they have expanded into one of the biggest evergreen garden and hedge plant tree nurseries in the Netherlands. Their main cultivation concerns Abies, Buxus, Chamaecyparis, Hedera, Ilex, Juniperus, christmas trees, Picea, Rhododendron, Taxus, and Thuna. Director Gerrit Tessemaker says that the climate change issue has not really impacted his business, mainly because they are anticipating future changes. “Fortunately, we haven’t found any problems in our export due to climate change”, said Tessemaker. A great piece of advice he wants to offer: “It is important to make sure that, in order to limit the consequences of flooding, you maintain a great combination of lower and higher lots.”

Moving faster with irrigation

Tree nursery Den Eldert, located in Klein Zundert, with a surface space of approximately 30 hectares, specialises in the cultivation of mainly shrubs and conifers in open soil, in sizes ranging from 60 cm up to 300 cm in height. Frank and Gerard Jochems run the tree nursery. We talked to Frank Jochems: “In our cultivation, we think that maintaining quality is one of the most important aspects”, he says. “During the cultivation process, our plants are pruned and undercut a number of times, to maintain the quality above and below ground. We often do this using machines, but sometimes also by hand.”

At Boomkwekerij Den Eldert, the results of climate change are noticeable. Frank: “We have noticed that we are dealing

Alderwoman Ellie Kools

Alderman Ralph Bogers

with more extreme weather conditions; summers are drier, and downpours are often much more intense. However, we are concerned that the lots will not have to deal with flooding. By using drip irrigation for several crops, it is easier for us to change irrigation more quickly. We do not have to water the crops specifically at night, and the water is being used more effectively.

When it comes to assortment, we didn’t have to take special measures, we are not working on that right now.” Frank brings up another aspect: “We feel that it is important that both private people and governments continue to plant enough green products. And when it comes to hot summers; plants still absorb more heat radiation than buildings.”

Climate change urges government to find solutions

The government is also confronted with climate change and needs to think of solutions to combat the undesirable consequences. How does the municipality of Zundert handle this? Alderwoman for Water, Ellie Kools, and alderman for Sustainability and Economics, Ralph Bogers, explain what the municipality of Zundert does when it comes to water, climate, and tree nurseries. How does the municipality of Zundert encourage its citizens to take the climate and water balance into account when planning their gardens?

“In cooperation with the water authority Brabantse Delta, we encourage our citizens to disconnect their drainpipe from the sewer. In order to do that, they can get a free disconnection stone - a Brickey - from us. You can easily place the Brickey underneath your drainpipe,

which allows the water to flow into the garden. And we are also participating in the campaign: ‘tile out, plant in’. We have given groups 5 and 6 of the primary schools in Zundert a starter package to make their gardens greener.”

And other activities are initiated as well:

“In cooperation with the inhabitants of for example Onder de Mast and the Oranjeplein, we are making plans to make sure that these squares are climate robust. We show that both the collection and infiltration of rainwater is possible, both on a small and a large scale. And it has a positive effect on the appearance of the public spaces. As a municipality, we contribute to this as well. In the Tuinderij district, we are building new houses. As compensation, we are constructing a Landscape zone in the Tuinderij. This nature reserve was designed with the aim of collecting the

rainwater that falls in the new residential area, and to allow it to infiltrate. Since the district will be elevated, the water will easily flow away to the nature reserve.”

Water in balance

Water is essential to the cultivation of plants. What does the policy of the municipality look like when it comes to water management and climate adaption, in relation to the many tree nurseries? Kools and Bogers: “From Zundert Floreert and in cooperation

with the water authority Brabantse Delta, the program ‘Water in Balans’ (water in balance) will be started. With this program, we want to get the water balance right. One project already started; Zicht op Water (View on water). Entrepreneurs and the water authority have joined forces to get an insight into the water balance.”

The tree nursery is important to Zundert, both from an economic standpoint and for the image. There is a clear ambition, emphasise Kools and Bogers: “We have the ambition to become the leading tree nursery area in Europe. We see that the tree nursery industry offers a lot of opportunities for the future, when it comes to playing into the changing climate, the development of a sustainable ‘plant-based economy’. Together with the industry, we work on creating a strong landscape, with a reliable water system and good quality of the soil. A landscape with a balance between the different functions.

The municipality of Zundert is developing into an important test garden and an exemplary municipality, in which the tree nursery industry can present all its innovations when it comes to water, soil, and climate adaption. Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport is the most important cooperation partner; they represent the ‘tree nursery industry’ of Zundert and its wide surroundings. We are working on the connection between education and the tree nursery industry, innovative techniques, and sustainability. At the BCT, everything related to the tree nursery industry comes together.”

Frank and Gerard Jochems

De Buurte tree nursery

“Since

the end of 2022, I am the proud owner of a garden designed by Didier Hermans. The way the garden is created does impact the positive experience. A green garden makes the direct living environment more resilient against extreme weather, and it creates a comfortable place to spend time in.”

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: Chantal van Kuyck, trade fair manager

We supply and install fully automated drip and irrigation installations. Besides drip hoses and irrigation reels, we also supply the pump installations, fertilisation systems, water storage, water treatment, water purification, etc.

On top of that, we also take care of electrical installations, climate control, automation, and multiple customised solutions for the industry, agricultural, and horticultural sector.

Would you like to install or maintain your systems yourself? You can visit our open pick-up warehouse with a lot of stock!

We are also looking for:

WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE / WORKSHOP ASSISTANT + MECHANICS

Everything is negotiable, ask us about the possibilities, without any obligation.

Voorste Schaapsdijk 1

4882 NA Zundert T. 076 597 65 39

I. www.stanvaneekelen.nl M. info@stanvaneekelen.nl

WE’RE LOOKING FOR STAFF

Part-time/fulltime employee goods receipt

Plant Market B.V. is an international wholesaler specialised in purchasing and selling garden plants. We offer buyers from all over Europe the opportunity to use our online market place to order from well over 400 different trusted partners, 24/7!

What will you be doing?

You will be stationed at the Zundert location and keep an eye on all incoming goods. You will be in contact with suppliers on a daily basis. You will also get to know and recognise a lot of plants. Managing different tasks is easy for you!

What we need from you:

• That you are able to use the Dutch language

• That you are interested in garden plants

• Sufficient computer skills

• Accurate way of working and eye for detail

• Positive and collegial mentality

What we have to offer:

• Market-rate salary

• Job within a leading company in the garden plant industry

• Friendly and informal team

• A contract with the perspective of a permanent job Interested?

Feel free to meet with us for a cup of coffee! Contact us by sending an e-mail to personeel@plant-market.com or call us at +31 (0) 76 206 1010. Acquisition based on this vacancy is not appreciated.

Job opening WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE M/F 38 hours

De Noordhoek vaste planten BV produces well over 2,500 types of perennials for multiple buyers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The nursery is established at the Schijfsebaan in Schijf. In our large warehouse, a well-coordinated team of enthusiastic employees - male and female - sorts and prepares the perennials for shipment.

The main activities are preparing the orders, checking the quality, loading the plants and unloading the return kegs. Outside of our delivery season, we alternate the above-mentioned activities with producing new plants, maintenance outside at the nursery, weeding, sorting batches, and preparing the nursery for the winter. Knowledge of plants is not required, because we will give you ample opportunities to get to know a lot of plants.

We are looking for reinforcement of our warehouse team. We are immediately looking for a colleague who:

• Has fluent Dutch oral and writing skills

• Can work neatly, is motivated, and likes to get to work

• Has a forklift driver’s license or is willing to obtain one at our expense

• Can work on his/her own, but also in a team

• Is willing to work extra in March, April, and May

Does this job opening excite you? Please contact us by sending an e-mail to kantoor@noordhoekschijf.nl. We are looking forward to your letter with motivation and your current resume.

If you have any questions about this job opening, please e-mail us at kantoor@noordhoekschijf.nl or call us at +31 165-551666.

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR STAFF!

SELF-EMPLOYED WITHOUT EMPLOYEES TEMPING PAYMENT OUTSOURCING PAYROLL BACK OFFICE

& SAFETY

Partner

Belgian trade fair for ornamental plants and nursery products

07.03.2023

07.03.2023

9.00 - 18.30

9.00 - 18.30

Waregem Expo | België

Free access for professionals, register online through www.florall.be. Free parking, check out the plan at www.florall.be Free catalogue with an overview of the full assortment.

Gratis toegang voor professionelen, registreer online via www.florall.be. Gratis parking, bekijk het plan op www.florall.be Gratis catalogus, met overzicht van het volledige assortiment.

Florall, the Belgian trade fair for ornamental plants and tree nursery products

Belgische vakbeurs voor sierteelt- en boomkwekerijproducten

07.03.2023

Belgische vakbeurs voor sierteelt- en boomkwekerijproducten

On Tuesday 7 March 2023, over 80 ornamental plant and tree nursery companies and suppliers will present their products at the FLORALL spring fair. Professional growers will present their assortment to an international audience.

Besides the production companies, important trade and export companies and suppliers (potting soil, fertiliser, automation, climate control…) also participate in FLORALL. All companies and their products can be found in the free trade fair catalogue, and in the plant register on the website. The FLORALL trade fair takes place in the trade fair hall of Waregem Expo, with ample free parking near the trade fair buildings. The reachability and accessibility of FLORALL give you the opportunity to get an overview of the Flemish spring offer in just one day.

9.00 - 18.30

Florall Awards

Of course, during the trade fair also the FLORALL AWARDS are presented. A professional jury will hand out a Gold, Silver or Bronze FLORALL AWARD to companies that present a novelty in the shape of a new variety, a new sales concept or a new presentation concept.

Waregem Expo | België

Registration is necessary

The trade fair offers free access to professionals in the ornamental plant industry, from wholesalers and garden centres to representatives of public green. To guarantee a smooth entry process, please register through the website www.florall.be .

Gratis toegang voor professionelen, registreer online via www.florall.be. Gratis parking, bekijk het plan op www.florall.be

New role for Perry Pijnen as manager BOOMKWEKERIJ A. JOCHEMS-MILBOU TAKES OVER DE PLANTAGE

Remarkable news in the regional tree nursery industry: As of 1 January 2023, plant nursery De Plantage in Rijsbergen has been taken over by Boomkwekerij A. Jochems-Milbou BV from Zundert. Perry Pijnen, former owner of De Plantage, will continue his work at the same location as manager.

BY ADDO SPRANGERS

“De Plantage and Boomkwekerij A. Jochems-Milbou are a great example of how two companies can strengthen each other,” says Pijnen. “Our cooperation dates back many years. We have known each other for a long time, and Arjan Jochems and Brechje Jochems-Milbou, owners of the tree nursery, have always given me space and freedom to do my job for them. That mainly led to De Plantage as it is now. I do not have a successor for the company, and I am very happy with this takeover.”

Expansion

Boomkwekerij Jochems Milbou BV started out in 2012 with the cultivation of hedge plants in containers. In order to do that, they rented a piece of container field at De Plantage at the Antwerpseweg in Rijsbergen. Later on, they also rented tunnels and greenhouses. “We started small, and at a certain point, we started with cuttings and increased the number of species,” says Perry Pijnen about

the development of the company. “In the past two years, we have created a mother plant corner, where we get cuttings. That is how we want to bring back the famous ‘Zundert’ assortment in the product offer, and expand it.”

Distinguished

That last aspect is very important. “If we are not mindful about this, the product offer will decline. With the expansion of the product offer, we will have a large assortment of native plants, which helps us to distinguish ourselves from others. This completely matches the desire to make the Netherlands greener. You cannot put the same plants everywhere. Greening demands multiple species.”

Roadmap

His new role as manager at De Plantage fits Perry Pijnen as a glove. “Arjan Jochems will be busy with everything going on at the main location of Boomkwekerij A. Jochems-Milbou BV at the Wildertstraat in Zundert. From our location at the Antwerpseweg in Rijsbergen, we can focus specifically on

the assortment. The cutting materials will be planted and taken care of here. The current team of De Plantage will continue to work here, and some people will even be added to the team. De Plantage itself will be handed over to Boomkwekerij A. Jochems-Milbou step by step. Of course, I will continue to be engaged, I have always been an entrepreneur. As manager, I manage the staff, take care of planning, and offer support in purchases and sales. That way, we can be of even better service to our customers.”

Boomkwekerij Jochems-Milbou

Wildertstraat 4a

4881 NC Zundert

Phone +31 (0) 76 597 9580

For sales

Perry Pijnen - +31 (0) 6 1220 9003 perry@jochemsmilbou.nl

Forest and hedge plants, container plants, and diverse planting materials

Arjan Jochems - +31 (0) 65129 9417 info@jochemsmilbou.nl

Forest and hedge plants

We congratulate Boomkwekerij Jochems-Milbou with the takeover of plant nursery De Plantage

TELEN ROOIEN FOLIE

PLANTEN TELEN ROOIEN FOLIE

Machines voor tuinbouw en boomkwekerij

Machines voor tuinbouw en boomkwekerij

Machines for horticulture and tree nursery

Watermanseweg 2a | 4891 SZ Rijsbergen | The Netherlands

Goorbaan 1A, 4881MH Zundert

Phone +31 (0) 76 597 2370

www.debruijn-zundert.nl info@debruijn-zundert.nl

Palmbosstraat 15a, 4882 NR Zundert

Phone +31 (0) 76 597 1547

e-mail: info@whuijbregts.nl

www.grondwerkenhuijbregts.nl

Watermanseweg 2a | 4891 SZ Rijsbergen | Nederland

Watermanseweg 2a | 4891 SZ Rijsbergen | Nederland

T +31 (0)76 596 1220 | E info@basrijs.nl | www.basrijs.nl

T +31 (0)76 596 1220 | E info@basrijs.nl | www.basrijs.nl

T +31 (0) 76 596 1220 | E info@basrijs.nl | www.basrijs.nl ARIEBOUMAN.NL

coöperatie die producten en diensten levert voor de leveren van teeltbenodigdheden en het koelen van uittransporteert zij boomkwekerijproducten en aardbeien .

Molenstraat 155 I 4881 GD Zundert www.cltvzundert.nl I +31 (0)76 597 22 41

termijn zijn wij op zoek naar een:

Jiffy congratulates Boomkwekerij Jochems-Milbou with their new location!

Wijksestraat 18 4261 TT Wijk en Aalburg +31 (0) 416-69

jiffygroup.com/nl

Owner Arjan Jochems and manager Perry Pijnen

Solar panels and wind turbines provide their own energy BCT FOCUSES ON A GREEN FUTURE!

Green, water, and generating energy. Those are the three pillars Business Centre Treeport (BCT) is built on. The three elements are also intertwined in different ways. It makes BCT a unique green business area for entrepreneurs related to the tree nursery industry, focused on its development.

BY ADDO SPRANGERS

The BCT will become the heart of the ‘tree nursery business’ in Zundert and the surrounding area. Currently, we are working on the first steps of constructing the terrain of 62 hectares, which is located exactly on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium. 12 hectares are intended for the construction of green and for the design of public space of the business terrain, which is quite a lot for these types of areas. One of BCT’s focal points is liveability and biodiversity. Of the 12 hectares mentioned before, two-thirds are used for nature. These are filled with specifically selected native tree nursery products. During the local and national celebration of the Boomfeestdag, a seed orchard was planted. The seeds that will be produced here, will be used by growers to grow trees, which can be used for forestation programs and the construction of new natural areas.

Water retention

The set-up of the BCT is nature inclusive. In this case, the border of the adjacent Hazeldonkse brook has been maintained. By using an applied landscape interface strategy, a soft transition from business area to outlying area is created. The first-mentioned pillar of water can mainly be found at the BCT, in water retention provisions. The set-up of the BCT includes the

creation of a large water retention provision, which nurserymen can use during a drought.

All water coming from hardened surface (roofs and streets), will be collected. All companies at the BCT contribute a lot on top of the 60 mm standard that has been set by the water authority. BCT maintains ten per cent more, an additional 6 mm, water than an average business area or an average residential area.

Solar energy

Besides the large water retention provision, the terrain also has a number of smaller water retention provisions. These are used for more than just water retention, which allows us to move to the pillar of energy generation. The tree water retention provisions at the entrance have solar panels on top of them, to generate solar energy. In the future, these should also be placed on the other water retention provisions on the business terrain. In order to do this, BCT is currently in discussion with the inhabitants of a neighbouring hamlet, to create this in cooperation with Treeport members. The idea behind this needs to be put in a legal frame, but the intention is to give them a bit of ownership in this, so that the generated energy will benefit the people who live around the area. This will give BCT the opportunity to contribute to society.

Thematic map cross section

Theme chart nature, water & energy

Business Centre Treeport

Wind turbines

The solar panels on the water retention provisions are just a small part of the total number of solar panels that will be located at BCT. The purchase contracts with owners of the buildings at the business terrain give BCT the right to use the roofs for solar panels. Every roof will be completely filled with solar panels, which means that all capacity will be used. By using the roofs and water retention provisions, the total area with solar panels at the BCT will add up to 30 hectares, which provides 30 megawatt in generated energy. In total, approximately 55,000 solar panels will be used. And that is not all. Wind turbines, owned by BCT, will generate another 13.5 megawatt in energy, which brings the total of energy generated to 43.5 megawatt. To put this into perspective: the municipality of Zundert uses approximately 105 megawatt. This might turn BCT into one of the boosters of the energy transition.

Energy hub

With the energy generated at the BCT, a number of activities can be powered. For example the knowledge centre and the cold store, which has been created for the tree nursery industry. At the Belgian side of the BCT, an energy hub will be created, which will be able to facilitate mobility. This means that energy will be turned into mobility. BCT will still have energy to spare. Energy that can be supplied to the municipality of Zundert as green energy, though we still have a long way to go. However, energy storage systems will be built in order to facilitate this. If you want to become a supplier of energy, you have to be able to supply at all times, which means you have to be able to store it. This is currently being researched through start-ups and the knowledge centre.

www.bct-zundert.eu

www.bct-coldstore.eu