Aware of the importance of a clean future
With 11 hectares across two locations in De Lier, Holstein Flowers is one of the largest gerbera growers in the world. Its assortment includes more than 120 varieties of gerberas in a wide range of shapes and colours. A special fact: Holstein Flowers has a breeding greenhouse that includes a laboratory, a selection area, and a post-harvest flowering section. This greenhouse plays an important role in the company’s pursuit of sustainability. “In breeding, it’s not only about a unique, beautiful flower,” says Iris van Santen. “Another important goal is increasing the resilience of the gerbera, which is relatively vulnerable to diseases and pests.”
Holstein Flowers employs a specialist who focuses mainly on biological pest control. To prevent harmful insects from entering, insect netting has been installed in the greenhouse ventilation windows. This also helps keep beneficial insects inside. An innovative climate system ensures a stable environment by mixing outside air with greenhouse air, reducing the risk of diseases. Thanks to these measures, the company is well on its way to fully sustainable gerbera cultivation. However, sustainability involves more than just biological control.
Full recirculation of water enriched with nutrients prevents the need to discharge into surface water. This benefits both water consumption costs and the environment outside the greenhouses. Significant measures have also been taken in energy supply. “With 1,800 solar panels, we generate a large part of our electricity,” Iris explains. “We use LED lighting because it is energy-efficient, produces less heat, and lasts longer than traditional lighting. This helps reduce our CO₂ footprint.” The company also participates in the Trias Westland geothermal project, which further reduces its footprint. All of these are substantial investments.
This raises the question: why such a strong focus on sustainability? Iris explains: “There are several reasons. Regulations are becoming stricter, and customers demand it. But above all, we are aware of the importance of a sustainable and clean future. We want to carefully manage our impact on the environment.”