Targeted content creation on GGP.News strengthens international impact
GrootGroenPlus is expanding its content strategy to promote trade and cooperation. A well-informed audience is essential for the success of GrootGroenPlus (GGP). For this reason, EPS is investing in a targeted content strategy for GGP.News, the platform that highlights participants, visitors, and market developments. By creating and strategically distributing high-quality content, GGP is enhancing its international visibility and stimulating trade and collaboration within the tree nursery industry.
Standard tree industry Opheusden continues to research and innovate
The cultivation of standard trees in the Netherlands predominantly takes place in the Betuwe region, within the clay soils of Opheusden, located between the major rivers. Initially focused on fruit growing, the region shifted its focus to standard tree cultivation during the 20th century. Over 160 companies are members of Tree Centre Opheusden (TCO), collectively managing 1,950 hectares primarily dedicated to standard trees.
Interesting investments in Greek landscaping
In recent years, Greece has witnessed a significant surge in investments within the construction sector, particularly with a focus on tourism development. These investments are not only transforming the urban landscape but also enhancing the country’s appeal as a global tourist destination. In this article, we will explore three of the largest ongoing projects in Greece, each of which exemplifies the new wave of tourism-focused construction. Two of these projects are located in Athens, while the third is situated in Elounda, Crete.
Employees of the future
One of the most pressing challenges facing the tree nursery industry is the shortage of personnel. Finding skilled employees is an enormous task, both now and for the future. Are the demands placed on employees changing, both now and in the coming years? Are different expectations being placed on employers? What does the ideal employee look like, and how can companies attract them as efficiently as possible? The KwekersBode discussed these questions with two participants, each offering their own specific perspective: Ergon Kwekerij and accounting firm aaff.
New entrepreneurs share their stories
The tree nursery industry often faces challenges such as ageing demographics and a lack of successors, but young entrepreneurs are still stepping up, both in nurseries and in the technical sector. The KwekersBode spoke to four of them to hear their stories.
BCT gains recognition as the Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands:
‘This award is a recognition and appreciation of our efforts’ “Business Centre Treeport (BCT) sets a remarkable standard for how business parks can contribute to a greener future,” declared the jury when naming the Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands for 2024. The accolade was announced during the Day of Economic Affairs hosted by Stichting CLOK. Overjoyed with the recognition, BCT now shifts its focus to further preparation for construction at its sustainable business park. "We aim to use the latest techniques to make our public spaces even more climate-resilient and robust," says project manager Remco van Dessel.
Stichting EPS opens third round for innovative projects
Stichting European Plant Support (EPS) is once again inviting project proposals for financial support. Following two successful rounds—focused on stimulating international trade and supporting educational and sustainable initiatives—it is now time for a new opportunity to realise innovative ideas for the tree nursery industry. Entrepreneurs and organisations have until 1 March 2025 to submit their projects.
Urban Interior Congress: ‘Let citizens and businesses invest in urban greenery’
The bill for a green living environment should not only fall on governments, but on everyone who benefits from it. So said Minouche Besters, partner at city maker STIPO. She was keynote speaker at the Urban Interior Congress in the Dutch citxy Arnhem and sees opportunities for green spaces to be co-financed and maintained by residents, entrepreneurs and developers.
Climate resilient nursery plants Made in Hungary
Due to the unique environmental conditions, historic traditions and high skills nursery plant production is the most prosperous segment of the ornamental sector in Hungary without a doubt.
GREEN - PROMISING COLOR - Polish nursery stock industry at a glance
The present situation of the Polish ornamental nursery stock sector can be briefly described as „promising but not quite predictable”. As in other countries, the extraordinary boom in the green industry triggered by the pandemic and lockdowns has weakened but has created new customers. Nevertheless, it’s time for more balanced operations and for overcoming challenges connected with the economy and the war in the neighbourhood.
Through innovation, Wilbert Stek strives for the highest quality cuttings
At Wilbert Stek they have been busy this past year. Innovating the range of cuttings plays a major role at this specialised cutting company in Gendt. During the upcoming edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, the results of their efforts will be showcased. The truted and successful assortment will be presented in full, but Wilbert Stek will also highlight a few new additions, such as Hedera hibernica, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Thuja in the paper plug. Wilbert van Luenen, owner of Wilbert Stek, is eager to see and hear the reactions.
New name, new products, new generation
For twenty years, the desired growth within the company was hindered, as it was located outside the designated tree nursery zone. However, thanks to a pilot program with the municipality and the water board, there are now opportunities that provide a future outlook and space for entrepreneurial spirit. So, be sure to visit Van Dijck Young Plants at GrootGroenPlus. They have much to share with you.
Automated cultivation system facilitates grower from A to Z
TTS Transplanting Services and OptiPlug are jointly showcasing a complete concept at GrootGroenPlus. A key part of this is a new fully automated planting machine from TTS, along with matching trays that can be filled with OptiPlug's paperpots. Other companies like Van der Avoird Trayplant and Van Schaik Rack Solutions are also involved in this collaboration. This way, growers can be fully supported with an automated cultivation system.
Remarkably wide range of cuttings at Weber
Weber Stekcultures has been in business for almost thirty years. In 2022, Raymond Weber and his partner Marleen Weber-Aasman took over the company. At GrootGroenPlus, both existing and new customers know where to find the company due to its wide assortment, licensed varieties, and quality. "You'll find virtually no weeds in our cuttings."
The power of the collective
One of the participants at trade fair GrootGroenPlus trade is the Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert e.o. U.A. (Treeport), which consists of approximately 180 tree growers from the wider region. Treeport also actively collaborates with alliance partners, including the Brabantse Delta water board. Manager David Bömer says: "We engage in discussions with a positive, constructive attitude."
Cooling without worries
Located at Business Centre Treeport, on the border with Belgium, the Treehub features a state-of-the-art cold storage facility. BCT Treehub Cold Store BV specialises in cooling often delicate products, such as those from the tree nursery industry. The cold store was built with the tree nursery industry as its primary target audience and will present itself as such during trade fair GrootGroenPlus. Here, participants and visitors learn more about the extensive services offered by the cold store. source: Heidi Peeters
"We can fulfil any order list completely"
Huverba, located in the heart of Tree Centre Opheusden, positions itself as a total supplier of trees and plants. And that’s no exaggeration, as the nursery can supply almost anything the customer requests, anywhere in Europe. This extensive offering is Huverba’s great strength, and it will be central to their presence at GrootGroenPlus. Huverba draws from its own stock of field-grown and container plants, as well as from a large network of green suppliers.
The rooted cuttings of Heco Young Plants
Paul de Jong is continuing the nursery that his father started 42 years ago. The extensive range of rooted cuttings, including several new species, will be showcased to the public during GrootGroenPlus.
BvE Plantgoed: a tree nursery with its own signature
He doesn't really want to share the details of his approach, but it’s clear that it’s working. Bert van Exsel of BvE Plantgoed took over a successful tree nursery two years ago and has significantly expanded the range in a short period of time. The results are impressive, and they can be seen at GrootGroenPlus.
Rabobank shows commitment to tree nursery industry at GrootGroenPlus: "The future for this industry is promising"
Rabobank has been a participant and partner of GrootGroenPlus from day one. As the main sponsor, the bank plays a prominent role at the international tree nursery trade fair. A conversation with Rabobank account managers John Duijzer and René Dekkers about the trade fair's importance and the challenges within the industry.