Nursery It Wiid in Wier not only grows its tomatoes in a sustainable way (it does so for Smeding Groenten en Fruit), it also provides a social workplace for those seeking to rejoin the job market.
The nursery, part of social employment agency Empatec, allows for the reintegration of the long-time unemployed. The company provides a setting that enables people to again familiarize themselves with a working environment. “Here they get reacquainted with the job market,” says manager Johan Kuipers. “After a while, they can move on to other employment, though some of them choose to stay here.”
Furthermore, according to Johan, the nursery is qualified to train people in becoming bona fide tomato growers. “The work in the greenhouse is really no different than with conventional growers,” he explains. “We are subsidized, but we need to sell our products just like any other business. Smeding takes in thirty to forty tons of our tomatoes every week. The employees learn all facets of the profession. This way it’s easier for them to get employment with other growers once they’re ready to face the market.”
Sustainable business
It Wiid is trying to cultivate its crops as sustainable as possible. For watering, It Wiid uses rainwater, which is collected in a basin adjacent to the greenhouse. The plants get water through an irrigation system, and the residual water can be reused after filtering. Last year, the social and responsible way of working at It Wiid was rewarded with an Eco Certification.
People help fellow Nursery Osdorp
Nursery Osdorp in Amsterdam is also a good example of a producer who wants to offer people in the community opportunities. Here, too, care and concern for both people and product is key. Nursery Osdorp provides the combination of sustainable production of vegetables and meaningful activities. It mostly employs people with a history of addiction and those with a background in psychiatry. For these people it is important to find structure in daily life. Circadian rhythm, structure and rules are important. Again, it’s Smeding Groenten en Fruit who buys most of the produce grown at the site.
For more information:
Van Hoeckel
De Vutter 1
5221 BD 's-Hertogenbosch
T: 073-6312690
F: 073-6312695
E: [email protected]
W: www.vanhoeckel.nl
