Netherlands: Innovation and Demonstration Center LED opened officially

The Innovation & Demonstration Centre ‘LED’ is now officially opened in Bleiswijk. This center is the result of a collaboration between WUR and Philips. The new facility is designed for the study of all kinds of practical applications in the field of LED lighting. During the presentations it became clear that more research was warranted in the industry. Nevertheless, optimism and excitement abounded. 

A number of trials are already under way in the Centre. For example, there are on-going studies on the influence of LED lighting on the vitamin C content of tomatoes. A question might be whether LED lighting affects mildew infections. There is also a demand for flexible systems. But what light recipe is optimal?

The Centre will try to find answers to these and other topics. 

The meeting was well attended. There were about 230 people present in the room, a sure sign that there is much interest in the advancement of LED lighting. Not surprising, considering the production increase that grower Andy de Jong of Jami was able to realize in the first year of his tomato business: 30/40%. Andy: "We are excited about the results of LED lighting. We notice that we have to respond faster, because the plant is much more active with LED. Vigilance is therefore required. Next year we intent to expand the amount of armatures.”