GROWERS MUST ADAPT THEIR ASSORTMENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Growing is not only for today and tomorrow; a good grower is already thinking about the future. Climate change, changing consumer demand, and stricter regulations determine which tree species are future-proof. Which species will thrive and which will disappear? Which tree species will dominate in the next 20 years? How can growers prepare for the changing market?

Plant Market pursues a different course for now!

In 2021, Treeport BCT Partners BV and Plant Market Vastgoed BV reached an agreement regarding the purchase and sale of a plot on the BCT site. Plant Market's objective was to establish a dedicated distribution centre at this location, prompted by the company’s ongoing growth and the need for additional square metres.

FROM TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION TO DATA-DRIVEN INNOVATION: Mabo Boomkwekerijen shows how technology transforms the nursery stock industry

The nursery stock industry is in the middle of a digital revolution. Where experience and craftsmanship used to be the most important pillars, now, data and technology are becoming increasingly more important. Precision agriculture, using sensors, drones, and advanced software, makes it possible to make decisions on irrigation, fertilisation, and crop protection per tree or plot. These developments do not only promise more efficiency, but also a more sustainable cultivation. The KwekersBode decided to look into it: what is currently being developed when it comes to precision agriculture, and where can we see this in practice?

FUTUREPROOF CULTIVATION IN THE NURSERY STOCK INDUSTRY: ESSENTIAL FOR PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT AND MARKET

The nursery stock industry in the Netherlands is moving fast. Increasingly more growers are focusing on sustainable growing: a way of production that is not only economically viable but also takes into account the environment, biodiversity, and changing climatic conditions. This approach is crucial because the industry faces major challenges. Think of stricter environmental regulations, decreasing availability of plant protection products, and a changing climate with more extreme weather conditions.

Planting Material: Legal Risks and Market Opportunities

While the first part of this article focused on quality, origin, and the true cost of young planting material, we now turn to another crucial aspect: legal protection and market opportunities.

BIODIVERSITY IN SCANDINAVIA

In Scandinavian countries, the cultivation of trees, shrubs, conifers, perennials, and rose bushes play a crucial role in maintaining natural landscapes and biodiversity. The region is known for its unique balance between cold winters and mild summers, which made native plant species adjust to challenging circumstances. Thanks to age-old traditions in forestry and agriculture, growers continue to experiment with new cultivation methods.

The True Cost of Cheap Plant Material

The import of young plant material from countries such as Poland, Italy, and Spain is rapidly increasing. Prices are low, and the supply is plentiful. For growers under pressure from rising costs, this may seem appealing. But what exactly are you buying for a lower price? And what risks are involved in terms of varietal purity, delivery reliability, legal protection, and marketability? Cheap plant material is not necessarily bad – but it requires knowledge, control, and strategic insight. Those who focus solely on the purchase price may later face plant loss, certification issues, or buyers who reject the material.

GREAT FUTURE PERSPECTIVES FOR PERENNIAL CULTIVATION

The Netherlands has a strong position in the cultivation of perennials, thanks to its fertile soil, advanced cultivation techniques, and a well-organised trade infrastructure. The industry contributes to ornamental horticulture, which is an important part of Dutch agricultural exports.