Holstein Flowers on the cover
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In June, Holstein Flowers was on the cover of Veiling Plantion’s magazine! In the magazine, Hans van Holstein and Iris van Santen talk more about the company and its focus on sustainability. Read the interview they gave here.
With 11 hectares across two sites in De Lier, Holstein Flowers is one of the world’s largest gerbera growers. Its range comprises more than 120 varieties of gerbera in a wide array of shapes and colours. An interesting fact: Holstein Flowers has a breeding greenhouse housing a laboratory, a selection room and a flowering area. This greenhouse plays a major role in the company’s pursuit of sustainability. “Breeding is not just about creating a unique, beautiful flower,” says Iris van Santen. “Increasing the resilience of the gerbera – which is quite susceptible to diseases and pests – is also an important objective.”
Holstein Flowers employs a staff member who focuses primarily on biological pest control. To prevent harmful insects from entering, insect netting has been fitted to the greenhouse’s ventilation windows. This also keeps beneficial insects inside. An innovative climate control system ensures a stable climate by mixing outside air with the air inside the greenhouse. This reduces the risk of disease.
Thanks to these measures, the company is well on its way to growing gerberas in a fully sustainable manner. But sustainability involves more than just biological pest control.
Full recirculation of the water to which fertilisers have been added prevents the need to discharge water into surface water. This is good for the water bill and for the environment outside the greenhouses. Necessary measures have also been taken regarding energy supply. “We generate a large proportion of our electricity using 1,800 solar panels,” says Iris. “We use LED lighting because it is energy-efficient, generates less heat and lasts longer than traditional bulbs. This helps us reduce our carbon footprint.” The company is also participating in the Trias Westland Geothermal Project, which reduces the footprint even further. These are all substantial investments.
So the question is: why this strong focus on sustainability? Iris: “There are several reasons for this. Legislation is becoming stricter and customers are demanding it. But above all, we are aware of the importance of a sustainable and clean future. We want to manage our impact on the environment carefully.”
Source: Plantion Magazine
