From February to July 2022, LDE Centre for Sustainability joined forces with World Horti Centre and partner companies to make horticulture more sustainable and future proof. As a result, the Interdisciplinary Thesis Lab on Sustainable Horticulture was run. The findings of the lab have been made available in practical solutions for the horticulture sector in the area of South-Holland.
Challenge: How can we move towards a sustainable production of fruit and vegetables?
The world’s population is growing, urbanizing and is demanding safe and healthy food, available in sufficient quantity at good quality. The Netherlands are in a leading position in protective cultivation. Below The Hague and next to Delft and Rotterdam is the “Westland” region, a world technology- and production champion both in quality and quantity. The technology is not only used locally, for the European market but is exported around the globe. There’s hardly any country in which no Dutch horticulture technology can be found, ranging from seeds to complete greenhouses. Of all fresh tomatoes worldwide 80% have Dutch heritage.
But are Greenhouses the future? How can the Dutch horticulture sector move towards a sustainable production of fruit and vegetables? How to integrate new technologies and innovations (such as Vertical Farming, applications of LED-light, water and energy), stimulate biodiversity and circularity, and what will be the future position of agriculture in the metropolitan area of South-Holland?
Case Holder
World Horti Center is the knowledge and innovation center for international greenhouse horticulture. A leading platform where business, education, research and government jointly innovate, connect, inspire and share knowledge.
Every year, World Horti Center is visited by 25,000 international professionals, who are looking for connection, knowledge and innovations in horticulture. We connect parties who want to contribute in sustainable food supply and greening the world. Leading horticultural companies and innovations are represented at our year-round trade fair. Here is a complete reflection of technology, supply, floriculture and food horticulture.
In order to continue to innovate and maintain its lead as an international sector, World Horti Center has a state-of-the-art research center with 38 greenhouse departments where researchers, entrepreneurs and various education institutions jointly conduct research. In addition, World Horti Center offers a learning environment for global talent and we work together with leading (green) universities.
Program and guest lectures
