"We are more than a laboratory"

In the field of research and sampling major changes have taken place. The product corporations that funded a lot of research have been abolished and the laboratories are consolidation in a major way. That asks for a response.

Growers and trading companies engage a laboratory to determine the height of certain values. A laboratory analyzes a sample, then writes a report and sends it to the principal. And then ... then it actually begins. Then the question arises: Why is this score so high or so low? And how can I translate this in practice? These are logical thoughts.

At Groen Agro Control in Delfgauw they are prepared for such questions. Bert van Tol, director-owner says: "We see these recommendations as a service to our measurements. That is why on one hand we employ consultants. On the other hand our lab employees explain the measurements. Both are experts." He continues to relate that work at Groen Agro Control for 90% involves production, quality and food safety for customers. With production is meant that with a minimum of auxiliary materials a maximum production output is obtained. Also the price is a consideration. The trick as well as the condition is that the quality is maintained always. 

Food safety is about pesticides and micro-organisms on the products.

With this focus in mind, we go along to address areas for improvement. A few examples:

- Growers are advised about the optimum amount of fertilizers and how which measures can be taken against pests. 

- Trade houses will be advised about the monitoring of MRLs. They are taught to communicate with their producers about crop protection. This bridges the gap between the two parties. For trading houses who receive their products from abroad, this certainly is important. After all, every country has its own legislation.

In addition to individual consultancy, Groen Agro Control is also organizing courses. Meanwhile, a large number of participants has taken the course 'Masterclass Residues’. Initially this course was set up for quality-control officers of the trading houses. In practice, that is not where it ended. Growers also take the course. They recognize the importance of it. Meanwhile, also courses for Micro-biology, Fertilization and Hygiene for seed production and cultivation are being developed.

In the fruit- and vegetables sector these items of course have been the order of the day for long. It is noteworthy that this subject demands and deserves more and more attention in the ornamentals production sector. And that is being noticed at Groen Agro Control.

Groen Agro Control is doing very well. Again an extension is under construction. Bert: "To be able to continue to respond quickly and effectively, we have to anticipate to that. To that goal we are now investing in space and in people." Meanwhile, the workforce has grown to 90. Agents have started in England, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Ghana, Kenya, Vietnam.