11 November 2009
Modern solutions for modern challenges
To mark its 40 years anniversary Grodan, a supplier of innovative substrate solutions for horticulture, organises an international symposium on Thursday 19 November. Theme will be ‘Modern solutions for modern challenges’. Venue: “Buitenplaats Amerongen” in Amerongen (the Netherlands).
Traditional values are back in fashion. That includes consumer perception of the production methods that should be used in agriculture and horticulture. Conventional, old-style production methods are popular, while the high-tech production of fresh food is often viewed with mixed feelings. Technological innovation is highly advanced, particularly in greenhouse horticulture. Modern answers are being sought for modern issues such as a better environment, the demand for greater variety and the pressure to produce higher yields. This all requires a well-balanced approach. To what extent is the high-tech horticultural sector able to find a balance between the demands and expectations of society regarding the environment and the profitability of the production sector? And how can we bring this to a higher level? 
Program and spreakers
During the plenary part of the program - 1.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. – these and related issues will be addressed by Vincent Deenen, Director Marketing Grodan (‘Identifying modern challenges’), Dick Oosthoek, Director Horticulture and Arable Farming Rabobank International (‘Future developmements in horticulture’), Peter Oei, Program Director SIGN (Stichting Innovatie Glastuinbouw Nederland) (‘Taking the high-tech greenhouse to the next level’) and Martijn Laar, Managing Consultant Berenschot Consultancy (‘Modern solutions for changing realities - lessons from other industries’). Moderator will be Marc van Eck, Managing Partner Business Openers. He will also guide the panel discussions following the presentations.
Expert sessions within the chain
Furthermore, the highlights of the expert sessions held in September on various levels in the chain, in preparation of the symposium, will be presented. These sessions illustrated that although sustainability is high on the agenda, it does not always have sufficient priority. That CO2, energy and - above all - water are seen as key priorities. That the knowledge of cultivation techniques is inadequate and insufficiently integrated. That the development of controlled environments for growing crops is essential. That high-tech developments are often more driven by technical possibilities rather than the plant. And that the integration of knowledge about the plant and root zone should get more attention.
These are just some of the many issues that are alive within the sector. At the symposium these issues are placed within the framework of "Modern solutions for modern challenges', and complemented with insights from the speakers. This way, Grodan hopes to make a valuable contribution to the further development of high-tech horticulture.
Take a look at the photos and post your reaction on our weblog.
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