Tuinbouw Jongeren Westland (TJW) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The knowledge platform for the younger generation interested in Westland horticulture will do so on Friday, 13 January, in 's-Gravenzande through a reunion.
In early 1970, the Jongeren Land- en Tuinbouw Bond (JLTB), as the TJW was then called, was founded by the various youth organizations in the Westland villages.
The JLTB focused on advocacy for the Westland (future) young horticulturists. In fact, the issues that were topical then are still topical now. Information evenings were organized on business takeovers, financing, and, for instance, company contracts. Young people were also represented on the 'older' boards of the LTB.
In the early '90s, the organization was renamed JWLTO, the Jongeren Westlandse Land- en Tuinbouw Organisatie. Membership had now grown to more than 500.
Besides information evenings, the interests of young people were also promoted, such as with the annual tour of Lower House members during Kom-in-de-Kas. Later, Westland municipal councilors were invited to this. The opinions and interests of young market gardeners were also highlighted at political party meetings and through press releases.
During member evenings, various topics such as business succession, liberalization of the energy market, labor and environmental legislation, and financing were discussed. Various excursions took the youngsters to places such as Friesland at the invitation of Hans Wiegel, cargo handling of KLM, and horticultural area ZON in Limburg. For relaxation, an annual `barn party` was organized.
Fifty years later, a 12-member board still organizes excursions and member evenings for its 300 or so members monthly. By organizing member evenings and company visits, TJW aims to inform and enthuse the horticultural youth. The topics of these meetings are mainly related to the horticulture sector, but companies outside the sector are regularly invited to learn from them. Networking with each other is also central.
Besides the monthly activities, an active role is taken to stand up for the future of the sector for its members. To achieve this, sustainable relationships with members, businesses, government, and society are pursued.
Reunion
On Friday, 13 January 2023, there will be a further look back at the Viersprong' s-Gravenzande through a reunion. Former board members of the JLTB, JWLTO, and TJW are hereby cordially invited and can register via the link below;
https://www.addevent.com/event/RF1575997
Should this not work out, an email can be sent to; william.van.den.berg@tuinbouwjongeren.nl. The organizers thus hope to make it a real reunion with 50 years of history of youth advocacy together with today's horticultural youth.
For more information: 
Tuinbouw Jongeren Westland
www.tuinbouwjongeren.nl