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.

Tailor-made solutions in the tree nursery technology

TH machines, based in Zundert, specialises in building machinery for horticulture and tree nurseries. In addition to standard equipment, they also provide tailor-made solutions for specific challenges. The entire process, from engineering to production, is handled in-house. The company is led by young entrepreneur Tom Huijbregts (23), who studied mechanical engineering. After graduating, Tom worked for a short period at a machine factory where he completed his final project. During that time, a tree grower approached him to build a custom machine. “I initially worked part-time at that machine factory, but soon after, I decided to go fully independent,” says Tom. Things quickly took off. He started building platform wagons for tree nurseries specialising in potted plants, and soon received requests for custom solutions. One standout product is the wide spacing fork, an economical solution for spacing potted plants. “This tool spaces pots by lifting half of them from the bundle in a pattern,” explains Tom. “By simply swapping the top fork, pots of different sizes can be spaced at varying distances.” This innovation has even received a patent.

Today, TH machines employs four staff members, and Tom has big ambitions: “We plan to keep innovating with new products, such as transport and pruning machines. We’re also preparing to move to a new location.” The company already exports to Germany, Belgium, France, and Italy, with plans to appoint dealers in these countries to further expand its reach. Tom remains optimistic about the future, citing the increasing demand for automation in the industry, which is further amplified by the current labour shortage.

The importance of marketing and strategic thinking

NL Plants, based in Wernhout, specialises in forest and hedge plants, with much of their extensive range comprising native species sourced from selected stock listed in the Rassenlijst Bomen (List of recommended varieties and provenances of trees). Their 120-hectare nursery prioritises sustainability and innovation. The company also handles plant trading for Lodders Boomkwekerijen, which boasts over 50 years of experience in tree cultivation. At the helm of NL Plants is Loïs Lodders (24), daughter of Marc Lodders. While it might seem natural for her to have joined the family business, Loïs laughs, “Not at all! Growing up, I couldn’t imagine working in the tree nursery industry-I wanted to do something completely different.” She pursued a degree and later a career in marketing and communication. “In 2021, I started working part-time at NL Plants. When this trading company was founded last year, I had the opportunity to join full-time and bring my marketing expertise to the table. I love the variety in my role-one moment I’m focused on strategic policy, the next on sales, and then on marketing our company,” Loïs explains. Her father, Marc Lodders, has extensive experience in cultivation and the nursery industry. “It’s great to brainstorm with him-it leads to new insights that benefit us both,” she adds.  Loïs observes that the nursery industry faces challenges such as an ageing workforce and a lack of awareness among younger generations. 

Why should young people consider working in this industry? “Our industry offers so many opportunities for young people. The work at the tree nursery isn’t what it used to be. Automation and technology have made it much more appealing, but there are also so many other roles where you can make a real impact. Marketing and strategic thinking, for example, are often overlooked in our industry, which means there’s a lot of potential. And, of course, young people attract other young people!” Loïs Lodders has also recently joined the board of GrootGroenPlus, where she hopes to bring fresh perspectives and inspire more young talent to join the industry.

Running your own business and making your own decisions

Young Plants Holland, based in Biezenmortel, boasts over 40 years of experience in producing rooted cuttings for the tree nursery industry. Thanks to its self-developed production process, the company exclusively supplies its own high-quality rooted cuttings. The company has 2.5 hectares of greenhouses and 2 hectares of its own mother plants dedicated to cutting production. Since 2022, the company has been led by Stijn van der Loo (30).

“I’ve been involved in the nursery from a young age, spending time in the greenhouse that I officially took over from my parents on 1 January 2024. It’s been in my blood from the start. Over the years, I gradually took on more tasks and responsibilities. That’s also why I pursued a degree in Business Administration and Agribusiness at HAS University in Den Bosch. Immediately after my overseas internship in England in 2014, I started my own company, Young Plants Holland. I wanted to run my own business and make my own decisions without having everything dictated or controlled. I rented a section of my parents’ greenhouse and started a new product line: rooted ornamental grass cuttings. This complemented the rooted shrub cuttings that our family business had traditionally produced. I spent part of my time on this new venture while continuing to work in the family business, including helping with sales at international trade fairs.

I enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect-cultivating your own product and selling it yourself. You build long-term, valuable relationships with customers and do business with other growers.” Stijn also has clear ambitions for the future: “I want to live up to our motto: ‘The reliable address for your rooted cuttings.’ That means continuing to invest in a future-proof company known for its quality, integrity, and commitment to keeping promises. Together with my team, I want to grow resilient, high-quality cuttings.”

He also has a positive vision for the future: “I see a bright future for both my company and the tree nursery industry. The trend toward greening has been underway for years, and it’s not going to stop. People increasingly recognise the added value and positive contributions of greenery, especially in urban environments. There’s more attention to plants and sustainability. At the same time, the number of companies in the nursery industry isn’t growing, which positively affects production volumes and market dynamics. Of course, there are challenges-every entrepreneur faces them. The key is how you handle and address those challenges. For example, municipal spatial plans often don’t adequately account for nurseries. Many local governments don’t yet realise how sustainable we growers are and the value we bring. That’s why it’s crucial for us growers to create plans that highlight our contributions and are useful for policymakers. This is where organisations like the Midden-Brabant working group of Treeport plays an important role, enabling us to advocate for ourselves collectively.”

Streng Growers BV aims for further growth

In 1978, Jolanda and Nico Streng started growing field-grown products in Boskoop. In 1990, they expanded their operations to include fruit and climbing plants, adding container plants grown in plastic bags alongside their field cultivation. In 2009, their son Ronald (39) joined the business. At that time, the nursery employed just three people. “I started from the bottom and grew within the company, eventually getting involved in business decisions,” says Ronald. In 2015, they decided to start cultivating Gaultheria in pots. “I thought it was important to have year-round sales, and choosing an autumn crop turned out to be a great decision. We created a complete assortment, both for daily trade and campaigns.” “To ensure further growth and continuity, it was necessary to significantly expand the product range, and they began supplying to the retail industry. That segment now accounts for about 35% of our turnover, with the remaining 65% coming from daily trade.” Fruit cultivation remains a key part of the business, making up 70% of their production. Nowadays, everything is grown in pots and containers. In 2019, the company completed a major redevelopment, building a new greenhouse, warehouse, docks, and office. It was a significant change, including a name change to Streng Growers BV. In mid-2021, the opportunity arose to acquire a parcel in the same street. “This is where our entire Gaultheria cultivation is now located.” Ronald enjoys being involved in all aspects of the company. “I actually do a bit of everything, so besides managing the business, I’m also involved in cultivation and sales. It’s great that we now have new colleagues on board; this creates opportunities for responsible further growth. We currently work with a team of 25 colleagues, and we are still looking for new employees. I can focus on further expansion and new crops.” The ambition is clearly aimed at continued growth. “At the beginning of 2024, we presented our product line ‘Colourful.’ Each season, a fully loaded CC trolley with visually appealing products. This allows us to expand our year-round sales even further, making us more attractive to our end customers.” 

Namens Vakbeurs GrootGroenPlus: Frans van Wanrooij, secretaris

“The saying goes, ‘The youth is the future,’ and if that’s the case, GGP has a bright future ahead because we have many young entrepreneurs with a stand for the 2025 edition.”