Eight years ago, Cees van der Waal's greenhouse in Ridderkerk had to make way for buildings. "What to do now?', is what the then 47-year-old Cees asked himself. He decided not to give up and continue working as a grower, but now without a greenhouse. With his company, Harvesting Vegetables, he helps other growers with planting and harvesting activities in herbs, leaf vegetables, and Brassica crops under glass and outdoors.
Cees never even considered doing something outside the horticulture sector, as others in the family business decided. "I never considered an office job or anything like that. I prefer being physically active. That's the best medicine."
Cees in the greenhouse of one of the growers he works with
The thrill
At the moment he is already getting quite busy. January is traditionally a quieter month, but now the phone keeps ringing. "In the beginning, I gave people my number through word of mouth and things took off after that. Sometimes I spend an entire day with a grower, sometimes just a morning and sometimes a whole week. I try to help everyone. The thrill is that after rearranging my agenda I don't have to disappoint anyone."
Cees comes from 'de Ridderkerkhoek' and is now active around Barendrecht. "I always say southwest Netherlands. In doing so, I focus on the familiar old-fashioned..." Cees corrects himself. "...new-fashioned low-growing crops. For example, Chinese vegetables are becoming more popular and herbs are also trendy."
Cees sticks to the low-growing crops, under glass and outdoors
Beautiful crop
In addition to helping growers, Cees is also an experienced expert and advisor. Because of the recent weather, he sees that 'beautiful, strong crops' are coming after first severe cold and then sun with cold nights. "First it was important to heat the snow off the roof as quickly as possible. Then the weather quickly improved. If growers dare to sprinkle and fertilize afterwards, they will soon reap the benefits."
The quality of the products is therefore good at the moment, according to Cees. "Here and there I see some small mildew spots, but with some sun they will disappear in no time." However, the whitefly is a big problem. "That was a drama last year and the first ones have already been seen. Fighting them is difficult because the available resources are not always sufficient."
Lettuce in the cold store. The quality is high, according to Cees.
Problems with Brussel sprouts
Especially in the Brassica varieties, the plague is affecting growers. "Many Brussel sprouts growers are even considering quitting this year because of the problems with whitefly. But then, what are they going to do?", Cees wonders.
Besides, the production of seed cultivation in greenhouses has decreased significantly this year. "There are still large seed stocks. In order to not have an empty greenhouse, they fill the greenhouse anyways. I hope for them that the coronavirus will start to retreat soon. Sales on the free market are currently difficult, prices are below normal. This makes it difficult for growers who work with fixed (contract)prices to negotiate a decent price for the new season."
Spinach in the greenhouse
Positive developments
For Cees, the glass is always half full. He always tries to stay positive. Other developments in his field help him with this. "I see that cultivation is becoming increasingly sustainable. Energy-efficient production is extremely important and good steps are being taken here. I think the switch to folding crates also helps with this. It saves a lot in transport costs, and it's easier to load many crates on a pallet.
Also, the recycled crates have a code, so they can always be traced."
And steps are also being taken in breeding, Cees sees. "You are gradually seeing really good varieties that are resistant to Fusarium coming onto the market that make it easier for growers to cultivate really high-quality heads of lettuce without, or with a lot less, problems with Fusarium. I think this is a positive development."
Young plant material
It's time for Cees to move on. The next grower is waiting. "I count my blessings, as I cango everywhere and have a good time. As long as I stay healthy, I'll stay busy."
For more information:
Harvesting Vegetables
Cees van der Waal
+31(0)6-81424045