Dutch grower, traders and retailers starting with bitter gourds
There is a new step in the cultivation of the Asian Bitter gourd cucumber in the Netherlands; a grower and a buyer for the product have been found. In early December, the Flevoland Development Agency called for a grocery store to sell the bitter cucumber. Read about it here.
Global greenhouse vegetable area increased 14% over 2015
As of January 1, 2016, the global greenhouse vegetable area is estimated at 473,466 ha. (1,169,960 ac.), using the definition of “greenhouse” found in the publication. These numbers are referenced in a newly revised publication: 2016 World Greenhouse Vegetable Production Statistics.
Also, the number of bankruptcies in the Dutch agricultural sector is declining despite pressure on profitability. The sector’s bankruptcies peak occurred in 2012 and 2013.
Dramatic season for Spanish grower due to warmer weather
Despite the fact that we are in the middle of the winter season, the high temperatures in the South of Europe are turning the Spanish and Moroccan production schemes for greenhouse vegetables upside down, with dramatic consequences for the pricing and crops. Read the article here.
Photo report: The largest vegetable propagation greenhouse in Europe
Recently Gipmans Planten expanded to over forty hectares of glass. This makes them the largest vegetable propagation nursery in the Netherlands. However, they might become even larger. Erik Gipmans: "We can expand with ten more hectares and we actually don’t want to wait too long."
New President for Houweling's
Houweling’s is pleased to announce COO Kevin Doran has been appointed the additional role of President for the Houweling’s Group of Companies. Having joined Houweling’s as COO in late 2014, Doran has been instrumental in the transition of the company to a vertically integrated grower.
Fried de Schouwer:
"Strong demand for Central Mexico greenhouse tomatoes"
After a year marked by decreased prices, greenhouse tomato importers are seeing increased demand and healthier pricing thanks to supply shortages on field tomato product. “We have a short supply situation in the overall tomato category,” says Fried De Schouwer of Greenhouse Produce Company.
7,500 square meters with interlighting for Jac Dings:
First large scale LED installation in high-wire cucumbers
Dutch grower Jac Dings has a scoop; he is the first high-wire cucumber grower to use Philips LED interlighting on a large scale. Recently he began to use the system for his new crop; on a total acreage of 7,500 square meters.
Delphy is the new name of DLV Plant and GreenQ
Over the last couple of years DLV Plant has grown significantly and developed many new activities. The merging of DLV Plant and GreenQ, combined with their increased activities and the changing market conditions was the reason for a new name: Delphy.
Consultant Shane Hutto on MMJ in horticulture: "It's here to stay"
"Everybody that now enters this industry is a newbie"
2015 has been an important and groundbreaking year for the development of the medicinal marijuana industry in the U.S. and Canada. "By far it has been the busiest year in my career," said Shane Hutto from consultancy agency Horticultural Solutions.