In response to a rise in tomato demand, Looye constructs a new cultivation location adjacent to their greenhouse in Burgerveen. Looye expects to better meet customer demand with these additional 8.2 hectares.
In line with the company's 75-year history, Looye will cultivate cherry tomatoes in its new greenhouse. Annelies Looije explains: "Just like with our other greenhouse in Burgerveen, we are opting for a semi-closed system. Large ducts with fans are to be installed under the cultivation gutters. This allows us to actively bring fresh air into the greenhouse, and as such, we can achieve an optimal greenhouse climate in all seasons. Also, the air can be recirculated, which allows, among other things, the re-usage of heat during the lighting season."
Regular greenhouse roof
Using heat blocks, the air that goes through the ducts can be heated. "This allows us to grow tomatoes with 25-30% less heat input and keep the available CO2 in the greenhouse at a higher level than in a conventional greenhouse. Unlike Looye's other semi-closed greenhouses, the new greenhouse has a regular greenhouse roof. This eases venting during the summer."
Energy
The goal of sustainability informs Looye's business choices. "In addition to the choice for the semi-closed greenhouse system, we get a blackout screen and an energy screen. We also opted for a full-led setup for the lighting of our tomatoes. The electricity and heat are generated from a new Jenbacher CHP. In the meantime, we are also looking at another solution for heave, for example, through taking part in Energy Cooperative PrimA4a."
Construction has already begun. The drainage is installed, and Havecon has started piling. The greenhouse is planned to be watertight in week 15. The greenhouse's first cherry tomatoes are expected on European shelves by Christmas 2024. "Our mission is to let as many people, of all generations, enjoy flavorful tomatoes together."
For more information:
Annelies Looije
Looye Growers
Tel.: 0174 520 060
[email protected]
www.looye.com
