ROOTZ investigates the power of the plant in green chemistry
Within the Business Centre Treeport (BCT), ROOTZ is rapidly evolving into a leading centre for knowledge and innovation in the tree nursery sector. Programme manager **Peter Berben** explains how the themes of soil, water and plant compounds are becoming increasingly interconnected. ‘We look at plants in a broader way,’ he says. ‘Not just as crops, but as sources of valuable substances – that’s what we call green chemistry.’
Rabobank: take control with a sustainability agenda and utilise the collective
The tree nursery sector faces both challenges and opportunities. According to René Dekkers and Bernd Feenstra of Rabobank, the key lies in collaboration and forward thinking. ‘The nursery industry has traditionally been rooted locally and regionally, but it has also become an important international player,’ says Dekkers. ‘GrootGroenPlus is a great example of that – a global platform with local roots.’
OptiPlug paper pots ensure a strong start and faster regrowth
More and more growers are discovering the advantages of OptiPlug’s paperpots. These biodegradable pots promote even root development, faster regrowth and reduced losses after transplanting. At Powerplantz in Wernhout, the results are clear. ‘Roots grow straight through the paper wall without damage,’ says crop manager Jim Hendrikx. ‘That allows for quicker establishment.’
MVL Metal & Irrigation: a total partner for tree nurseries
Whether it’s irrigation, metal structures, technical installations or the complete setup of nurseries and garden centres – MVL Metaal & Beregening from Lottum provides everything under one roof. Led by owner Martijn van Lier, the family business has evolved into a versatile partner for the green industry. ‘We offer total solutions that combine technology, functionality and custom design,’ says Van Lier.
Jongenelen Machines puts precision fertilization into a higher gear
In modern tree nursery and container cultivation, fertilisation has become a matter of precision. Rising fertiliser prices, stricter environmental regulations and the demand for labour efficiency mean that more and more growers are turning to machines that deliver exactly the right amount of fertiliser in the right place. Based in Klundert, Jongenelen Machines has developed into a full-service supplier of fertilisation solutions – from handheld systems to fully automated machines.
Infogroen helps Plantaz grow with smart software
Efficiency, clarity and reliability – those are the key reasons why Plantaz relies on Infogroen Automatisering’s software. The nursery from Baarlo uses Infogroen’s GroenVision system for its full administration, stock management and order processing. ‘The system fits exactly how we work,’ says operations manager Joris Ghielen. ‘It’s clear, fast and easy to adapt to our needs.’
Heco Young Plants chooses quality and uniformity with ErfGoedVloer Premium
At Heco Young Plants in Biezenmortel, modernisation is well underway. With the installation of a new ErfGoedVloer Premium in its 0.5-hectare hardening greenhouse, the company is taking the next step in optimising cultivation conditions. Owner and director Paul de Jong deliberately chose vertical drainage – an upgrade from the previous sloped system.
Heart for Green: pride and responsibility in the nursery sector
With this year’s theme ‘Heart for Green’, GrootGroenPlus draws attention to the passion, dedication and social importance of the tree nursery industry. According to Frans van Wanrooij, chair of the theme committee, it’s a call to not just grow plants, but to stand for green with heart and conviction. ‘We don’t just grow trees,’ he says. ‘We grow a liveable future.’
Gebr. Ezendam proves the power of electric working with the Globus MET01 E-Trike
Electric machinery is no longer a vision of the future for the tree nursery industry. Gebr. Ezendam proves it with the new Globus MET01 E-Trike compact – a three-wheel drive tool carrier combining power, agility and sustainability. While the machine will take centre stage at GrootGroenPlus, it has already proven itself in practice.
Faassen Plants combineert traditie en duurzaamheid op GrootGroenPlus
After a festive anniversary year, Faassen Plants from Tegelen continues to strengthen its sustainable direction. At GrootGroenPlus, the nursery presents both its innovations in ecological production and its prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment. A unique combination of tradition, quality and forward thinking.
Verpaalen Tree Nursery chooses exclusivity and top quality
Boomkwekerij Verpaalen from Zundert is undergoing a new phase of growth and specialisation. Under the leadership of Hein Verpaalen, who has taken over from his parents Harry and Jeanette, the nursery is focusing on exclusivity and premium quality. At the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, the company presents itself with distinctive varieties that reflect its commitment to excellence.
BCT Treehub Cold Store: cooling with care and craftsmanship
BCT Treehub Cold Store in Zundert is the leading cold storage partner for the tree nursery industry. Located within the Business Centre Treeport, this modern cold storage facility offers growers and exporters the opportunity to store their products under ideal conditions. Director Chantal van Kuyck summarises their philosophy: ‘We handle our customers’ products as if they were our own. Flexibility, transparency and quality are key to everything we do.’
Basrijs Machinefabriek introduces the PE80: a practical intermediate model for forest and hedge planting
Basrijs Machinefabriek from Rijsbergen has once again taken a step forward in tree nursery mechanisation. With the PE80 Disc Planter, the company introduces a flexible intermediate model that bridges the gap between the compact PE70 and the robust PE100. The new planter responds to a clear market demand: growers who want efficient planting without compromising on precision or stability.
Frans van Wanrooij (aaff): with both feet in the nursery
Frans van Wanrooij knows the tree nursery sector like no other. As a sector specialist at aaff – the accounting and advisory firm formed by the merger of ABAB and Alfa – he and his colleagues support around 250 to 300 nurseries throughout the Netherlands. From Zundert to Opheusden and from Boskoop to Limburg, Frans knows the companies and their challenges first-hand.
In Middele-East: Greening the Future: Landscaping as Strategic Urban Infrastructure
Urban development in the Middle East is entering a decisive phase. Cities are expanding at unprecedented rates; climate pressures are intensifying, and governments are setting ambitious sustainability agendas. In this context, landscaping can no longer be treated as an afterthought or an aesthetic enhancement. It is increasingly being recognised as a form of urban infrastructure that is contributing to the resilience, performance, and long-term value of the cities, alongside roads, utilities, and transit networks.
GrootGroenPlus 2025; great, green, good
The 35th edition of GrootGroenPlus took place this year from 1 to 3 October in the municipality of Zundert. With nearly 300 participants from both the Netherlands and abroad, this edition was larger than ever before. Covering over 10,000 m², the trade floor offered a lot of space for tree nurseries, breeders, suppliers, mechanisation companies, educational institutions, and platforms from across the industry.
Sustainability a key focus at the GreenItaly Awards 2025
Twelve companies participated in the GreenItaly 2025 Award with twenty products, ranging from technological and variety innovations to technical solutions for urban greenery.The GreenItaly Award aims to promote sustainable innovations for the creation of green spaces and is divided into five categories
GreenItaly gets underway
GreenItaly, the new Italian trade fair, has opened its doors in Parma for a three-day event for both tree nurseries and landscaping. Green Italy is the successor to Plantflor. A total of 135 nurseries, suppliers, and organizations are represented at this fair. With a few exceptions, the participants are from Italy. The fair program also includes numerous lectures and demonstrations spread over the three days.
MyPlant goes Middle East
The United Arab Emirates will host, from 15 to 17 November 2025, a landmark event for the green industry with the launch of Myplant & Garden Middle East: the first international B2B exhibition dedicated to horticulture, landscaping, and green innovation. Taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, the event will position Dubai as a global hub for horticulture and landscape design.
GreenItaly looks to the future
It's not the number of visitors that counts, but their quality. We heard this statement from several participants in this first edition of Green Italy, organised by and held in the buildings of Fiere di Parma.
GreenGrandPrix 2025 (Jury report)
During the 2025 edition of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, the traditional inspection of novelties once again took place. The judging guidelines provided to entrants allowed for previously assessed plants, awarded up to a silver medal, to be resubmitted.
ROOTZ wins Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs 2025
The Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs has become a well-known distinction at GrootGroenPlus. This year, the award was presented to ROOTZ, the knowledge and innovation centre for the tree nursery industry. At their stand, they demonstrated that they are truly ‘On the Right Track’ when it comes to sustainability. Ralph Bogers, Alderman for Economic Affairs, presented the award on the first day of the trade fair.
Jac. Lodders award for best green stand
In general, the ‘green stands’ were judged for things like the peaceful atmosphere, the quality of the shown products, the clarity of the assortment, but also if it looked inviting.
Jan van Dongen award for the best stand among suppliers
In general, the judges mainly focused on how innovative the presentation was and who this will help the industry move forward in terms of sustainability, efficiency and the use of new materials.
The second trade fair day of the 35th edition
International platform for the entire tree nursery industry; The second day of GrootGroenPlus mainly showed its strong international profile. Growers and suppliers received many international visitors from (among others) Poland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Denmark, and Romania.
The first day of the 35th edition
The first day of the 35th edition of GrootGroenPlus was once again focused on meeting, discovering, and inspiring. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was relaxed yet vibrant. Along the red, grey, and blue routes between the stands, there was a steady flow of growers, suppliers, traders, and international visitors. Not an overwhelming crowd, but exactly what characterises the trade fair: plenty of space for meaningful conversations and valuable
A 10,000 m² exhibition floor will be constructed in just over a week
Every autumn, an open field in Rijsbergen (municipality of Zundert) is transformed into a fully-fledged exhibition venue. For the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, tent specialist Neptunus will build a complex of around 10,000 square metres in just eight working days: three large pavilions for exhibitors, a central restaurant, an entrance and studio pavilion, and a network of connecting corridors to move from hall to hall. Project manager Pim van Vugt is overseeing the entire process, from the initial design to the final delivery.
Treeport BCT Partners BV joins GGP.news
With BCT Partners we welcome a versatile and leading player as a new partner of GGP.news. Business Centre Treeport, located on the border of Zundert (NL) and Hoogstraten (BE), has quickly developed into an important hub for the tree nursery sector.
GrootGroenPlus 2025 confirms international position of nursery stock sector
The autumn edition of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, which will take place from 1 to 3 October 2025, once again emphasises the international significance of the nursery stock sector. In collaboration with trade journal publisher NWST, an extensive trade fair catalogue has been published especially for the occasion. It focuses on the full breadth of tree cultivation in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and other European countries.
Trade fair Green Italy opts for innovation
More is needed than just flower beds and attractive borders. Ideas are needed. Today, more than ever, urban green spaces are no longer merely decorative, but a design vision that can transform cities: trees that provide shade, resilient species that can withstand extreme temperatures, plants that improve air quality and make spaces liveable, even in the hottest summers.
Maarten van Overbeek Nursery joins GGP.news as new partner
Trees make the world more beautiful and healthier. With this belief at heart, Maarten van Overbeek founded his nursery in Oirschot in 2004 together with his wife Laura. Today, the company covers 65 hectares of loamy sandy soil and employs a dedicated team of twelve. Its wide range of shrubs and trees is cultivated with care, respect for soil and nature, and a focus on consistent quality.
Growers' Pride: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Sofia’
The cherry laurel is well known as a strong, evergreen hedge plant. With the introduction of Prunus laurocerasus ‘Sofia’, this species now has an elegant and modern newcomer. With its narrow, glossy green leaves and compact growth habit, ‘Sofia’ is highly versatile – performing equally well in formal groundcover plantings and in stylish ball shapes.
Dutch nurseries stand out at Green is Life in Warsaw
At the international trade fair Green is Life in Warsaw, Dutch nurseries were once again well represented. Among them were Marc Lodders ( NL Plants ) and Sebastiaan Hoogenraad ( Hoogenraad Handelskwekerijen ), who shared a booth and showcased their range to a diverse international audience.
Pines, still the best
The stone pine (Pinus pinea) is a classic example of how a tree can become an essential part of local landscapes. In central and southern Italy, especially in coastal areas, pine trees are used both in forests (known as ‘pinete’) and in urban landscaping. Many of its features, as the umbrella-shaped crown, the white bark, delicious fruits (used in many recipes, especially desserts), and the resistance to salt spray, make it an ideal plant for seaside environments.
Dutch nursery stock sector shows resilience, but differences between segments are growing
In the 2024-2025 season, the Dutch tnursery stock sector has once again demonstrated its ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. This is evident from the latest Tree Nursery Sector Report published by Van Oers. Although the sector as a whole remains stable, performance varies greatly between segments.
Will you win the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs 2025?
Are you a frontrunner in sustainable business? Win the Zunderts Groen Imago Award 2025!
Joost Sterke Plant Nursery: precision and quality in every plant
As of August 1st, 2025, Joost Sterke Plant Nursery, led by Joost Sterke, becomes a partner of GGP.news. Rooted in the green heart of Brabant, this family enterprise has over 30 years of experience and operates on more than 40 hectares of sandy open ground, 4 hectares of container fields, and 1.4 hectares of greenhouses. It supplies high-quality shrubs and hedge plants year-round.
Living Creations: six generations crafting Hydrangea excellence
As of August 1st, 2025, Living Creations, led by Alex Schoemaker, becomes a proud partner of GGP.news. Located in Boskoop—the heart of Dutch nursery culture—this sixth-generation family business focuses exclusively on Hydrangea paniculata under the Living Creations® brand, delivering global excellence in breeding and young plants.
GROWERS' PRIDE: Hydrangea arborescens ‘First Editions® FlowerWOW’
The name says it all: ‘FlowerWOW’ makes an impression. This compact Hydrangea arborescens combines strong growth with abundant flowering. As part of the international First Editions® program, it is supplied in a distinctive P14 pot – ideal for retail. But the variety also offers advantages in production. Growers and buyers alike benefit from its uniform structure, strong genetics, and clear branding.
GGP.News supports promotion of green through trade fair GrootGroenPlus 2025
From 1 – 3 October 2025, trade fair GrootGroenPlus will be hosted once again in the municipality of Zundert. This event continues to be highly valued by both participants and visitors, as evidenced by the many registrations already received. For participants, only waiting lists spots remain available.
GGP 2025 bigger than ever and fully booked
Earlier this year, it became clear that the interest in GGP 2025 was overwhelming. Registrations poured in at record speed, and regular participants were contacted personally several times, to alert them to the rapid pace at which the trade fair was filling up.
Hoogenraad Nurseries: global partner in shrubs and perennials
As of July 1st, 2025, Hoogenraad Nurseries is a proud partner of GGP.news. This Dutch family-run nursery has been active for over sixty years and has grown into an internationally recognized supplier of shrubs and perennials. With an impressive range and streamlined logistics, Hoogenraad supplies customers all over the world.
WHY THE ENGINE ROOM IS GOING TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: The strategic value of mechanisation
The modern tree nursery faces a number of challenges. The availability of labour is decreasing, cost pressures are rising, and market demands are increasing. To make their business future-proof, growers need to organise their processes more efficiently. Mechanisation plays a key role in this. The machine room, which consists of processing, potting, and transport lines, is increasingly becoming the heart of the tree nursery.
NL Plants joins GGP.news as a partner: specialist in forest and hedge plants with deep roots in the sector
GGP.news proudly welcomes NL Plants from Wernhout as a new partner. Specialised in the cultivation and supply of forest and hedge plants, the company operates on more than 120 hectares and employs around 35 people. It supplies both bare-root and container-grown plants across Europe, with a strong focus on sustainable and future-oriented cultivation methods.
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.