Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Delphy Improvement Centre and the Lansingerland council are celebrating fifteen years of knowledge development for greenhouse horticulture. Save the date: from 20 September to 8 October, various activities will be organised during the 'Horti Science Park Event Weeks'. From looking back, we look forward to the future role of the Horti Science Park.
In the autumn of 2006 the cultivation trials were started at the locations of Delphy Improvement Centre and WUR (Business Unit Glasshouse Horticulture) at the Violierenweg in Bleiswijk. Over the course of fifteen years leading knowledge has been developed at this Horti Science Park for Dutch and international greenhouse horticulture.
As well as devising and developing 'The New Cultivation', a great deal of research has also been carried out into the use of LED lighting to create sustainable cultivation systems. The development towards digital cultivation in autonomously controlled greenhouses with the application of newly developed plant sensors is in full swing and will change the management in greenhouse horticulture. Development of production systems has always been part of the process, just as various greenhouse prototypes are now being tested and cultivation knowledge for vertical farming is being developed.
The municipality of Lansingerland is pleased with the presence of these two leading knowledge institutions in greenhouse horticulture and therefore wishes to further develop its strength as a knowledge-intensive greenhouse horticulture municipality. They are now working with entrepreneurs and residents on a 'Horti Science Vision', which will form the basis for guiding horticultural research and future plans in areas such as education, employment and space.
During the 'Horti Science Park Event Weeks' between 20 September and 8 October, the opening of the 'Fieldlab Vertical Farming' by WUR and Delphy is on the programme. The municipality of Lansingerland, WUR and Delphy, together with organisations such as Glastuinbouw Nederland and Greenport West-Holland, are also organising more than ten other events. These include the Knowledge Day for Horticultural Entrepreneurs, the Water Event and an afternoon of taste research. There will also be meet-ups about the 'Horti Science Vision' with horticultural youngsters and residents of the municipality. All events will look to the future from today's perspective.
More information about the 'Horti Science Park Event Weeks', the programme and the content of the various meetings will soon be available online.