In the Netherlands, the use of cultivation gutters is no longer news, but that used to be different. Still many growers are making the transition from open field to the use of a substrate in cultivation gutters. But also these gutters have a life cycle. At Meteor Systems they are very aware of this.
According to Peter Lexmond, commercial director and co-owner of Meteor Systems, there are plenty of opportunities to develop innovative cultivation methods. That is why a lot of research into new ways to grow is being done. Soon a test will be started with a new technique for cultivation on water. "Well, a test. It concerns an area of 14,000 m2. That is more than a test, right? We will be using this system to stir up the market for cultivation on water. That's for sure."
Peter Lexmond has more than enough plans: "The new building is large. But I do not rule out that it will no longer be sufficient in the foreseeable future. It's going so fast."
The new building of Meteor Systems in Breda has a floor area of more than 20,000 m2
Cultivation systems in Russia
In addition to inventing new methods of cultivation, the production of cultivation systems with gutters and drip systems is in full swing at Meteor Systems. In the coming years there is a lot of work to be done. "In the former Soviet states, Putin wants to build 200 hectares every year. That's the plan. Within ten years, the counter will be on 2,000 hectares and this region will have become self-supporting. Such self-sufficiency is a goal in itself for the Russian president," says Peter.
Cultivation systems in the USA
Trump also has big plans in the United States. "To reduce the role of Mexico, also a lot of construction will be needed in America. From the Meteor office in Leamington we supply cultivation systems and drip irrigation to the American growers."
The steel coils are cut to size in the Netherlands and subsequently are sent across the ocean. The gutters are produced straight away. Peter Lexmond: "For us this process is not very complicated. We have been working on it for years 24/7. This experience will benefit our growers directly."
Water shortage
In California, a lot of strawberries are grown in the open ground. "The disinfection of the soil and the availability of usable water is an ever growing problem. The use of a system of substrates with cultivation gutters and drip irrigation is an obvious solution here," says Peter, who also expects to deliver many systems over here.
The same lack of water is also a problem in Africa. "The Dutch rose cultivation has for a large part moved to Africa. The availability of water there is obviously an important issue. Also there, this method of cultivation is one of the future possibilities. Or rather, it cannot fail to be the solution for the water shortage in Africa."
A section of the new production hall. There is still available space left for the installation of the last machines from the plant in Duiven.
Nozzles are installed fully automatic.
Tech Whiz
Besides the production department, the tech whiz of Meteor will not be ready for a long time to come. "In the foreseeable future a revolutionary system will hit the market," Peter says. The plan, the product is ready. "We are currently deciding on the technical production of the cultivation solution. That is a matter of time. All the lights are already on green. I cannot say much about it now, but the market will be hearing from us. Please be patient."
Meteor Systems
Peter Lexmond
Minervum 7081
Breda
Netherlands
+31 (0)76 504 28 42
www.meteorsystems.nl