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.

‘My father started our sustainability journey over twenty years ago,’ says co-owner Florian Faassen. ‘We’re building on that foundation and expanding it further. Three years ago, we joined SKAL to produce ecologically. Especially in forest planting stock, that’s pioneering work. There are still few growers producing biological stock in open ground, and I dare say we’re leading the way.’

The Tegelen-based nursery has now registered 3.5 hectares of land with SKAL. One hectare is already fully organic, with promising results. ‘If it continues to go well, we’ll expand further,’ says Faassen. ‘On the other plots, we’re already growing virtually without chemicals – particularly with forest plants. We want to be ready for a future where chemical inputs are increasingly restricted.’

Faassen Plants focuses strongly on planting stock of indigenous origin – native species genetically adapted to Dutch soils and climate. ‘Interest in this is rising quickly,’ Faassen explains. ‘Public authorities and land managers in particular see the added value of sustainably grown material. Our goal is to supply biological forest planting stock of native origin. That’s both innovative and future-oriented.’

Alongside sustainability, quality and service remain key values. Faassen Plants supplies trees, shrubs, forest and hedge plants and container-grown material for landscape and infrastructure projects across Europe, supported by a strong trading division. ‘GrootGroenPlus is an important meeting point for us,’ says Faassen. ‘We meet clients and suppliers from across the country, and since we can’t visit them all each year, the fair is the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships.’

At GrootGroenPlus, Faassen presents a representative selection of its assortment. The distinctive stand – displaying the company’s logos, environmental certificates and SKAL label – highlights what the nursery stands for: craftsmanship, responsibility and innovation. ‘We’re proud of our history and of the direction we’re heading,’ concludes Faassen. ‘Becoming a Royal Supplier is an honour, but organic growing is our future.’