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2016 HortiDaily Tour, The Netherlands

Time to start the tour! Over 50 growers and 8 sponsors joined us in this two day-trip.
Time to start the tour! Over 50 growers and 8 sponsors joined us in this two day-trip.
The tour started at GreenPack. Owned by six of the largest Dutch greenhouse vegetable growers, Greenpack is one of the largest packing distribution centers for fresh produce in Western Europe.
The tour started at GreenPack. Owned by six of the largest Dutch greenhouse vegetable growers, Greenpack is one of the largest packing distribution centers for fresh produce in Western Europe.
Many European growers, retailers, importers and exporters rely on Greenpack's services every day.
Many European growers, retailers, importers and exporters rely on Greenpack's services every day.
GreenPacks team was ready to receive the 60 participants of the HD Tour. Taizo Sano of Kagome was informed on large scale packing.
GreenPacks team was ready to receive the 60 participants of the HD Tour. Taizo Sano of Kagome was informed on large scale packing.
All wrapped up and ready to go. The group was split into 6 smaller groups to tour around the gigantic packing facility.
All wrapped up and ready to go. The group was split into 6 smaller groups to tour around the gigantic packing facility.
A large amount of present day automation and sorting and packaging equipment is used at Greenpak 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to prepare freshly harvested products for fast shipment to the end user.
A large amount of present day automation and sorting and packaging equipment is used at Greenpak 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to prepare freshly harvested products for fast shipment to the end user.
Tomatoes are a major product for GreenPack. Annually they pack 85 million kg of tomatoes.
Tomatoes are a major product for GreenPack. Annually they pack 85 million kg of tomatoes.
Tomato sorting and packaging. On a total of 300 hectare of tomatoes, 15 varieties are grown. All the tomatoes are picked in the blue crates at the greenhouse companies. They're packed in the customer preferred packaging and sorting at GreenPack.
Tomato sorting and packaging. On a total of 300 hectare of tomatoes, 15 varieties are grown. All the tomatoes are picked in the blue crates at the greenhouse companies. They're packed in the customer preferred packaging and sorting at GreenPack.
This is one of the packaging halls for the tomatoes. As well as this there are packing facilities for bell peppers and cucumbers.
This is one of the packaging halls for the tomatoes. As well as this there are packing facilities for bell peppers and cucumbers.
The facility houses eight fully automated box folding machines.
The facility houses eight fully automated box folding machines.
These lines sort loose cherry and plum tomatoes on color, size and weight before they're being packed in shakers, clam shells and other special packages.
These lines sort loose cherry and plum tomatoes on color, size and weight before they're being packed in shakers, clam shells and other special packages.
In total, GreenPack has 40 packing lines.
In total, GreenPack has 40 packing lines.
Later in season, also cucumbers and peppers will be processed and packed here. At the moment of visiting, they're not in season.
Later in season, also cucumbers and peppers will be processed and packed here. At the moment of visiting, they're not in season.
Next stop: Dinteloord, in the south of the Netherlands. The HD tour travelled here to visit the Ultra-Clima greenhouse of tomato grower RedStar,
Next stop: Dinteloord, in the south of the Netherlands. The HD tour travelled here to visit the Ultra-Clima greenhouse of tomato grower RedStar,
All lined up to see this very high-tech facility.
All lined up to see this very high-tech facility.
KUBO's Henk van Tuijl explaining the principles of semi-closed greenhouse cultivation within the Ultra-Clima concept.
KUBO's Henk van Tuijl explaining the principles of semi-closed greenhouse cultivation within the Ultra-Clima concept.
A corridor like this is what you see in most recent greenhouse projects.
A corridor like this is what you see in most recent greenhouse projects.
From here one of the groups walked all the way towards the air treatment chambers, at the gable.
From here one of the groups walked all the way towards the air treatment chambers, at the gable.
In the air treatment chamber, Henk van Tuyl explained more about the different settings in the Ultra Clima Greenhouse.
In the air treatment chamber, Henk van Tuyl explained more about the different settings in the Ultra Clima Greenhouse.
Having a closer look.
Having a closer look.
With an acreage of nearly 70 hectares, RedStar is one of the largest tomato growers in Holland. Currently this is their only Ultra Clima Greenhouse.
With an acreage of nearly 70 hectares, RedStar is one of the largest tomato growers in Holland. Currently this is their only Ultra Clima Greenhouse.
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On both sides of the greenhouse, you can find these air treatment installations. Outside air is being treated before it enters the greenhouse.
On both sides of the greenhouse, you can find these air treatment installations. Outside air is being treated before it enters the greenhouse.
The greenhouse is 10 hectare and was opened in 2013.
The greenhouse is 10 hectare and was opened in 2013.
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This greenhouse was the first and still is the only Ultra-Clima greenhouse in the Netherlands.
This greenhouse was the first and still is the only Ultra-Clima greenhouse in the Netherlands.
The greenhouse works with overpressure and air tubes. Air is drawn into the greenhouse, conditioned in the mixing chamber and then distributed throughout the structure via tubes under the crop gutters
The greenhouse works with overpressure and air tubes. Air is drawn into the greenhouse, conditioned in the mixing chamber and then distributed throughout the structure via tubes under the crop gutters
The canteen provides a nice overlook over the crops.
The canteen provides a nice overlook over the crops.
The growing in Dinteloord is completely pesticide-free. Harmful insects are kept out in an environmentally friendly way, using the over-pressure in the greenhouse and insect mesh around the air vents.
The growing in Dinteloord is completely pesticide-free. Harmful insects are kept out in an environmentally friendly way, using the over-pressure in the greenhouse and insect mesh around the air vents.
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All the wiring is integrated in the bay truss.
All the wiring is integrated in the bay truss.
Diffuse glass with a special anti-reflection coating ensures that the light is better distributed in the greenhouse and is kept within the greenhouse.
Diffuse glass with a special anti-reflection coating ensures that the light is better distributed in the greenhouse and is kept within the greenhouse.
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Taking a peek at the company's history. RedStar has been growing tomatoes for over sixty years.
Taking a peek at the company's history. RedStar has been growing tomatoes for over sixty years.
The Kagome team is checking out the differences with their own Ultra Clima
The Kagome team is checking out the differences with their own Ultra Clima
Air treatment
Air treatment
Ron Threels is taking care of the second group visiting the greenhouse.
Ron Threels is taking care of the second group visiting the greenhouse.
The greenhouse is built in the south of the Netherlands on a site specially dedicated to greenhouse horticulture.
The greenhouse is built in the south of the Netherlands on a site specially dedicated to greenhouse horticulture.
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There are less windows, to keep as much of the energy inside and to keep harmfull pests outside. The windows are equiped with insect nets.
There are less windows, to keep as much of the energy inside and to keep harmfull pests outside. The windows are equiped with insect nets.
The crop is being lighted with Son-T assimilation lights. A screen system is installed to avoid light pollution.
The crop is being lighted with Son-T assimilation lights. A screen system is installed to avoid light pollution.
The tomatoes are harvested directly in these blue crates. Those are shipped towards a central packing facility in the Westland area.
The tomatoes are harvested directly in these blue crates. Those are shipped towards a central packing facility in the Westland area.
The KUBO team: Robbie Maat, Henk van Tuyl and Ron Threels.
The KUBO team: Robbie Maat, Henk van Tuyl and Ron Threels.
Next stop: the Philips GrowWise Center.
Next stop: the Philips GrowWise Center.
At GrowWise many types of LED applications are researched - for example what can be achieved with LED in lettuce crops in terms of taste, quality, production, nutritional value and colour.
At GrowWise many types of LED applications are researched - for example what can be achieved with LED in lettuce crops in terms of taste, quality, production, nutritional value and colour.
The 234m2 facility was opened last year and is one of the world’s largest dedicated research facilities for horticultural LED application.
The 234m2 facility was opened last year and is one of the world’s largest dedicated research facilities for horticultural LED application.
Philips researcher Roel Janssen explains how the research to optimize growth recipes for leafy vegetables, strawberries and herbs is being done.
Philips researcher Roel Janssen explains how the research to optimize growth recipes for leafy vegetables, strawberries and herbs is being done.
Stefan van de Voort gives some information on tour participant Shay Zeltzer
Stefan van de Voort gives some information on tour participant Shay Zeltzer
"Everybody sing: "Pink is my favourite colour"
"Everybody sing: "Pink is my favourite colour"
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Multi layer strawberry cultivation without daylight, interesting!
Multi layer strawberry cultivation without daylight, interesting!
Three types of lighting are being tested.
Three types of lighting are being tested.
The strawberry project generated a lot of interest.
The strawberry project generated a lot of interest.
With the help of LEDs, also the Brix of the fruit can be manipulated.
With the help of LEDs, also the Brix of the fruit can be manipulated.
Gus van der Feltz, Global Director City Farming at Philips
Gus van der Feltz, Global Director City Farming at Philips
Taking notes in the 21st century
Taking notes in the 21st century
A closer look at the climate control and irrigation in the technical area
A closer look at the climate control and irrigation in the technical area
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Israeli leafy greens growers taking a closer look at crop quality
Israeli leafy greens growers taking a closer look at crop quality
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Gus talking about the LED recipe developments
Gus talking about the LED recipe developments
Also the Japanes showed a lot of interest in vertical farming.
Also the Japanes showed a lot of interest in vertical farming.
The research centre is a clean and sterile environment totally closed to natural light and air that enables fully controlled growing conditions.
The research centre is a clean and sterile environment totally closed to natural light and air that enables fully controlled growing conditions.
The facility uses connected LED systems that are fully customizable, allowing for the development of ‘growth recipes’ tailored to each crop variety or producers’ requirements.
The facility uses connected LED systems that are fully customizable, allowing for the development of ‘growth recipes’ tailored to each crop variety or producers’ requirements.
The Philips GrowWise City Farming research center addresses a number of trends and concerns in society. There is increasing awareness of how the food we eat is grown, the effect it has on our planet and the distance it travels from farm to fork. In addition, it is anticipated that new ways of food production are needed to meet the increasing pressure on worlds’ food supply.
The Philips GrowWise City Farming research center addresses a number of trends and concerns in society. There is increasing awareness of how the food we eat is grown, the effect it has on our planet and the distance it travels from farm to fork. In addition, it is anticipated that new ways of food production are needed to meet the increasing pressure on worlds’ food supply.
The facility is controlled by an climate control system that is normally used in large buildings.
The facility is controlled by an climate control system that is normally used in large buildings.
On to the next stop: Wim Peters.
On to the next stop: Wim Peters.
Kwekerij Wim Peters is based in Someren.
Kwekerij Wim Peters is based in Someren.
For Wim Peters LED interlighting offered the best possibilities for his greenhouse. Because the lights emit less heat, he didn't need to raise the greenhouse.
For Wim Peters LED interlighting offered the best possibilities for his greenhouse. Because the lights emit less heat, he didn't need to raise the greenhouse.
Therefore he installed a hybrid lighting system with LED interlighting and HID toplighting. The LEDs were installed on Peters’ site in autumn 2013.
Therefore he installed a hybrid lighting system with LED interlighting and HID toplighting. The LEDs were installed on Peters’ site in autumn 2013.
The solution is a combination of HID lighting, , and Philips LED GreenPower interlighting.
The solution is a combination of HID lighting, , and Philips LED GreenPower interlighting.
After achieving excellent results by growing plum tomatoes under LED lights, Wim Peters decided to light his Tasty Tom tomatoes with LEDs as well, starting in the fall of 2014.
After achieving excellent results by growing plum tomatoes under LED lights, Wim Peters decided to light his Tasty Tom tomatoes with LEDs as well, starting in the fall of 2014.
Wim Steeghs of Philips
Wim Steeghs of Philips
Peters grows both Tasty Tom tomatoes and plum tomatoes under LED lights.
Peters grows both Tasty Tom tomatoes and plum tomatoes under LED lights.
Marc Staring, Meteor Systems and grower Wim Peters
Marc Staring, Meteor Systems and grower Wim Peters
The next morning the tour started at Koppert Cress.
The next morning the tour started at Koppert Cress.
Stijn Baan, the son of Koppert Cress founder Rob Baan, introduced the group to the miraculous world of Koppert Cress
Stijn Baan, the son of Koppert Cress founder Rob Baan, introduced the group to the miraculous world of Koppert Cress
Wverybody was surprised by the amazing tastes of the Koppert Cress products.
Wverybody was surprised by the amazing tastes of the Koppert Cress products.
Graeme Smith of Nectar Farms Australia
Graeme Smith of Nectar Farms Australia
"Stijn explained why they have one of the most extensive kitchens of the Netherlands. "We target chefs and to get the best chefs of the world here, we have to have the best tools. Therefore they want to visit our company and we can introduce them to our products."
"Stijn explained why they have one of the most extensive kitchens of the Netherlands. "We target chefs and to get the best chefs of the world here, we have to have the best tools. Therefore they want to visit our company and we can introduce them to our products."
The product line of Koppert Cress: combining nutritious value and taste.
The product line of Koppert Cress: combining nutritious value and taste.
That's what we call a kitchen! The Dutchies might know it from the television channel 24Kitchen, also founded by Rob Baan.
That's what we call a kitchen! The Dutchies might know it from the television channel 24Kitchen, also founded by Rob Baan.
And then we went into Willy Wonka's magical garden. Everything in this garden is can be tasted.
And then we went into Willy Wonka's magical garden. Everything in this garden is can be tasted.
That's something you don't have to tell Graeme Smith twice!
That's something you don't have to tell Graeme Smith twice!
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Last stop: Delphy. During this visit the group was split in three and visited the trials inside the Improvement Centre.
Last stop: Delphy. During this visit the group was split in three and visited the trials inside the Improvement Centre.
The participants encountered new research on for example the effects of LED on tomato. Steven Madern tells more about it.
The participants encountered new research on for example the effects of LED on tomato. Steven Madern tells more about it.
Also the efficiency in Rose Cultivation and a visit to the Lisianthus trial with different substrates was part of the program.
Also the efficiency in Rose Cultivation and a visit to the Lisianthus trial with different substrates was part of the program.
Pepper trials
Pepper trials
Checking out the quality of the crop
Checking out the quality of the crop
Again, strawberries under LED. There's a small competition between the growers here and at the GrowWise Centre: which cultivation produces the sweetest, the best strawberries?
Again, strawberries under LED. There's a small competition between the growers here and at the GrowWise Centre: which cultivation produces the sweetest, the best strawberries?
Different types of LED settings are tested.
Different types of LED settings are tested.
Romanian grower Christian Ghiga of Semtop
Romanian grower Christian Ghiga of Semtop
Last test: the comparisation of rockwool and coco substrates. Following the tour and lunch, Mr. Wim van der Ende (Manager SupportDesk) provided a presentation on Next Generation Growing explaining the background and systems used in this approach and how to achieve an energy efficient cultivation.
Last test: the comparisation of rockwool and coco substrates. Following the tour and lunch, Mr. Wim van der Ende (Manager SupportDesk) provided a presentation on Next Generation Growing explaining the background and systems used in this approach and how to achieve an energy efficient cultivation.
And last stop: the Horitcultural Business Days. The group spent over 4 hours at the exhibition.
And last stop: the Horitcultural Business Days. The group spent over 4 hours at the exhibition.