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NL: WUR exploring how greenhouses can be sustainable and profitable

Greenhouse horticulture is working hard on the transition to a sustainable and economically viable sector. Numerous initiatives aim to work without chemicals or use fewer resources, and many improvements have already been made step by step. But are these initiatives enough to truly transform greenhouse horticulture? Wageningen University & Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture is investigating what a real 'system leap' could look like. Researcher Evelien van Tongerlo: "An integrated approach is needed to address this complex sustainability transition, encompassing ecological, social, and economic aspects."

Robots can help offset the declining availability of labor. Therefore, it's understandable that there are many initiatives in greenhouse horticulture to stimulate robot development. However, Van Tongerlo points out, that a robot is only a potential solution. The real question is: what is the underlying challenge? Is it truly the shortage of labor? What does society demand from horticulture?

According to Van Tongerlo, societal needs should be the starting point for development. These needs can then be translated into practical implications (for growers, retailers, education, and research) and ultimately into research agendas. This is why WUR has launched the project 'System Leap for Sustainable Greenhouse Horticulture.'

Three future scenarios
Recently, a series of group interviews were conducted, focusing on societal challenges (macro level), the characteristics of the greenhouse horticulture sector (meso level), and innovations and technological developments (micro level). These interviews resulted in three future scenarios for the next 25 years: Self-Sufficient & Secure, Technological Efficiency, and Connection with Food.

Van Tongerlo explains: "The question is: what do these future scenarios mean in practice? To explore this, we are organizing a series of workshops for companies and horticultural organizations. Based on the input, we will develop a roadmap and opportunity map that can be used for future agendas of WUR and other organizations."

The 'System Leap for Sustainable Greenhouse Horticulture' project is funded by the Topsector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen.

Source: Wageningen University & Research

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