“There’s not much room for mistakes”

"The mantra "Successful cultivation, successful business" holds profound significance in the horticultural industry", says Tim van Hissenhoven of Cultivators. "As technology advances, the horticulture industry is witnessing a revolution, particularly in the cultivation of leafy greens using hydroponic systems." He talked separately with breeders of Enza Zaden, Nunhems, and Rijk Zwaan about the industry and key requirements for successful leafy greens cultivation. Together they have decades of experience in hydroponic leafy greens cultivation.

The journey towards successful cultivation begins with understanding the market. Despite already existing for over 25 years, the hydroponic leafy greens industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by factors such as food safety, security, quality, and year-round local production. Breeders Nunhems, Rijk Zwaan, and Enza Zaden receive great interest from all parts of the world and see that the developments are attracting the attention of growers (of other crops), processors, retailers, and investors resulting in the set-up of new facilities. Despite the enthusiasm, the breeders acknowledge that challenges such as scalability, operational complexities, and climate settings persist, posing hurdles for newcomers and seasoned cultivators. "There is not much room for mistakes", says Frans Gubbels of Enza Zaden.

The choice of crop varieties is of high importance, influenced by market demands, cultivation systems, and climatic conditions. "Breeders strive to develop varieties optimized for hydroponic cultivation. Yield and resistance are key factors in breeding, but they also target traits such as crunchiness, texture, and juiciness. Aspiring growers are urged to prioritize market research, embrace operational challenges, and foster alliances for knowledge sharing", says Marc Celis of Rijk Zwaan, emphasizing the importance of sharing expertise and learning worldwide, highlighting the need for collaboration in the industry.

Understanding the nuances of hydroponic cultivation and investing in skilled management is essential for sustained success. All breeding experts stress the importance of returning to basics and acknowledging the diverse climatic requirements of different facilities. While standardization remains elusive, advancements in substrate types, growing system designs, and LED lighting technologies offer promise for future developments. "First step is understanding and acknowledging the complexity", says Peter Does of Nunhems.

"Crafting a robust business case requires meticulous planning, considering factors such as yield maximization, waste reduction, and market dynamics", Tim concludes. "With investments flowing from diverse sources, growers must align their strategies with long-term goals and market realities." He expects the hydroponic leafy greens market to grow further, driven by the increase in market demand, changing customer preferences, and technological advancements. "However, the road ahead demands diligence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability."

"The cultivation of hydroponic leafy greens represents not only an interesting business opportunity but also a journey toward sustainable horticulture and food security. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, industry partners can navigate the complexities of this dynamic industry and reap the rewards of success."

Cultivators is partner in growing business. Hosting the leafy greens event on the 17th and 18th of June for (future) growers and investors. During the event, the key aspects of successful leafy greens and cultivation business will be addressed.

For more information: https://www.cultivators.nl/leafy-hydroponics-summit-2024/

Enza Zaden
+31 (0)228 350100
[email protected]
www.enzazaden.com

:
BASF Vegetable Seeds
www.nunhems.nl