During the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, innovation, sustainability and future-proof entrepreneurship took centre stage. Rabobank underlined this ambition by presenting a Rabo Transition Ticket and several Water Vouchers to entrepreneurs working on the future of the tree nursery industry.

Rabobank encourages innovative initiatives
Through the Rabo Transition Ticket, Rabobank supports entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in the fields of the food transition, energy transition and circular economy. The ticket provides a financial contribution of up to €5,000, supplemented by guidance and access to a wide network of experts, knowledge partners and entrepreneurs.

The support helps entrepreneurs take innovative ideas to the next level. This could include developing a prototype, conducting research, setting up a pilot project or engaging specialist expertise.

The Rabo Transition Ticket is an initiative of Rabobank in collaboration with various innovation partners in Zeeland and West Brabant, including ROOTZ. The programme helps entrepreneurs accelerate their plans, thereby contributing to a sustainable and future-proof economy.

During GrootGroenPlus, Dictus, represented by John Dictus, received a Rabo Transition Ticket to support the further development of research into advanced root collar recognition, an innovative technology that enables the early detection of diseases and thereby helps to reduce crop losses.

Working together on innovation
Within the ROOTZ innovation programme, there is an active search for solutions that can further strengthen the green industry. The focus includes:

- Robotisation and automation
- Sustainable energy and energy savings
- Circular applications and the utilisation of residual streams
- Smart soil and water management
- Biobased materials and innovations
- Future-proof cultivation methods
- Research and development within the tree nursery industry

These innovations help entrepreneurs operate more efficiently, sustainably and resiliently in a rapidly changing environment.

Water Vouchers provide insight into water challenges
In addition to innovation, water management is also high on the agenda. For this reason, Water Vouchers were also presented during GrootGroenPlus. Through this scheme, Rabobank is giving ten companies within Treeport and Fruitport the opportunity to have a company water plan drawn up.

A company water plan provides insight into the company’s entire water cycle. It also maps out current and future water requirements, taking into account challenges such as prolonged drought, peak rainfall and climate change.
The insights from these plans help entrepreneurs make targeted decisions about investments in their water management. The knowledge gained during the project will subsequently be shared with all members of Treeport and Fruitport, allowing the entire industry to benefit.

The Water Voucher was presented during the trade fair to Hergo Boomkwekerij BV, represented by Steyn Herijgers.

Investing in a future-proof industry
By presenting the Rabo Transition Tickets and Water Vouchers, Rabobank demonstrates how innovation, collaboration and sustainability can go hand in hand. By supporting entrepreneurs with knowledge, networks and financing, opportunities are created to put innovative ideas into practice.

Further Rabo Transition Tickets will also be presented on the final day of the trade fair to entrepreneurs contributing to the future of the green industry.

More information about the Rabo Transition Ticket is available via: https://bct-rootz.eu/rabo-transitie-ticket