The acreage of growers association Van Nature has grown by about 20% this year. Several growers made the transition to the organization that arose from a merger between BGB and Versdirect.nl in early 2012. This brings the total area to 320 hectares of peppers, 160 hectares of tomatoes, nearly 100 hectares of cucumbers, supplemented with smaller products like eggplants and peppers. "Growers seem to appreciate our stable course. This is determined by short lines, low cost, linking growers and customers and close cooperation with our trading partners," explains Mark Versluis.
“Last year, during the kick-off, we told our growers that we want to grow to at least 700 hectares, because we believe it is a good basis for the future of the association and a healthy market, but acreage is not an end in itself . We want controlled growth, with demand from the market being the leading factor. This also applies to our outdoor vegetable acreage, which is still around 280 hectares. Realizing the best returns for our growers is the starting point."
Fruit
"As long as GMO is available, Van Nature will take the opportunity to initiate projects for the benefit of its members. Currently all members of Van Nature participate in one or more projects," says Mark.
With the entry of a strawberry grower last year, Van Nature took its first steps on the fruit market. This year, tomato grower Wouter Moerman will start growing raspberries under glass and in addition the organization is in talks with a hard fruit grower who may want to join.
For more information:
Van Nature
Mark Versluis
T: +31 180 696835
[email protected]
www.nature.nl
