Belgium: Horticultural community shows interest in new sustainable project Agropolis

The horticultural community has shown considerable interest in Agropolis, a new, sustainable project in Kinrooi, Belgium. Agropolis (40 hectares) consists of a agricultural terrain where companies can develop innovative and horticultural activities based on cleantech. The area has appointed two Business Development Managers: Marc Moons and Kristof Das.

Earlier this year, the area received a 1,250.000 Euro grant for the construction of sewers and utility lines. The Limburg province is investing nearly one million in the project. With the appointment of the Business Development Managers, the project is ready to take off.

Kristof Das, Inge Moors, Marc Moons, mayor Jo Brouns and Luc Driesen

As representative and as a grower, Marc Moons is more than familiar with the horticultural sector. He has been involved with new products such as insect screens for greenhouses, the introduction of cogeneration and the development of energy clusters.

Kristof Das, 26, has been trained at Applied Economics (optional Policy Management) and successfully completed his studies at the University of Hasselt a few years ago. The knowledge he gained here will definitely come in handy. Thanks to his involvement in numerous industrial developments, grant schemes, cross-border projects and acquisitions, Das is able to bring his expertise to the Agropolis project.

Click here for a news report by Flemish television.

The first participants have already signed on. "Without giving away too much of the company-specific aspects, we can say that contacts with the sector have been made," says Marc Moons. "Although they are looking for new and more sustainable growing techniques, greenhouse companies still require a lot of extra heating during the winter months. Geothermal heat is already looked at as a solution.”

Synergie
In the selection of new business activities, focus will be laid on potential synergies with other companies inside and outside the zone.

The first construction will soon begin. If everything goes according to plan, the first new companies are expected in the course of 2016.

More information:
Agropolis
Marc Moons (e-mail)
t +32 (0)497 452144

Publication date: Mon 30 Jun 2014