16 years ago, Greenhouse crop consultant Horti-Consult International was founded. Currently, it exists out of a team of five people. The company always carnied out projects abroad, but nowadays, the company is becoming more and more international. "In countries like Germany, France, Scandinavia and the Netherlands, we are physically active. Besides this, we give one-to-one consultancies via Skype more often", explains Gilbert Jeijens of Horti-Consult International. By logging on to climate computers, and by looking at photo's and videos of the crops, we can support growers from Australia, Canada and America. "We will visit the growers annually and we offer further assistance on-line. This method of consulting is expanding. The importance of knowledge about cultivation is getting more and more valued"
However, to be internationally successful, one need more than a computer, Internet connection and a camara. Worldwide, growers have to deal with different climates. Consequently, we also have to take into account these differences.
Broad and specific knowledge
This means that an consultant need to possess specific as well as broad knowledge, which need to be kept up to date. This is an important aspect for Horti-Consult International. They collaborate with Belgium demo nurseries and different breeders, inside they company many meetings are organized and the consultants go on a study trip every year.During these study trips the consultants learn a lot. Last year, they went to Korea. This year, a trip to Brazil and Argentina is scheduled. "You do not only see the ways how they deal with the greenhouse climate conditions, but also the turnover, production and workers. This is very informative."
However, the experience of the consultants remains most important. "We continuously gather knowledge by talking with growers, and by exchanging data and growing techniques with our colleagues." The greenhouse climate and environment is differentent everywhere. You have to learn this by doing. Then the years of international experience are important.
The team of Horti-Consult International, last year in South-Korea
Yield
Worldwide, different growers meet different problems. The consultants are active in Holland as well. "In general, the yields abroad are lower. Then you need to optimise. This can be done by lighting and by consciously choosing for the production periods you will supply, for example. In Holland, the focus is more on quality, and we try to transfer this knowledge to international growers as well. ""Tomatoes should have a specific weight, because they suited for specific customers/ Not too heavy, not too red. The tomatoes are adjusted to the desires of the customer. "This draws a picture of how the clients of Horti-Consult look like: sophisticated companies and technically well developed and actively working on the turnover.
In general, Horti-Consult International focuses on the high end greenhouse grower that serves the top of the market. The type of vegetable in the greenhouse is not important. Consultancy is available for tomato, pepper, cucumber, eggplant, high wire cucumbers and specialty crops.
Click here to see the photoreport of the Horti-Consult International trip to South-Korea.
For more information:
Horti-Consult International
Gilbert Heijens
E-mail: [email protected]
www.horti-consult.nl
