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Grodan

Introduction

Fifty years ago, in 1969, the practice of using stone wool for horticulture was born. The start of a success story as Grodan is still growing strong. Since then we are making an impact. Not only in the horticulture industry but in the world by providing a sustainable growing solution.
 
Because of this milestone we created this booklet in front of you to capture
the momentum. “In Intensive horticulture in the Netherlands and Europe - A glance at the past, present and future” Berenschot give us a compact overview with the facts. During our 50th Anniversary event on October 9 we discussed these with our Northern Western European customers and a diverse panel from
the sector.

Related articles

visual, booklet, Berenschot, intensive horticulture
PDF
660.7 KB

Intensive horticulture in the Netherlands and Europe

This report gives an impression of the developments in modern food horticulture.

Download report
visual, booklet, 50 years, English
PDF
2.7 MB

Grodan 50 years booklet EN

Fifty years ago, in 1969, the practice
of using stone wool for horticulture
was born.

Download
visual, booklet, 50 years, Dutch
PDF
2.8 MB

50 years Grodan booklet NL

Fifty years ago, in 1969, the practice
of using stone wool for horticulture
was born.

Download

1900 - 1950

• European horticulture suffers from the economic crisis in the 30’s and 40’s. As as result the demand for horticultural products decreases.
 
• The economic crisis causes a protective policy in lots of European countries. Due to this export is being complicated.
 
• Horticultural companies are mostly family-owned companies and the cultivation work is labour intensive.

 

 

 

 

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• Horticulture at the beginning of the 20th century was characterized by small scale, family owned businesses. The work was labour intensive and farmers had to be inventive to make ends meet.
 
• The growth of modern retail chains in Europe spurred the development of highly efficient logistical chains and international trade.
 
• The introduction of glass greenhouses revolutionized horticulture and gave rise to a whole new industry. Capital intensity, productivity and product quality have increased ever since.
Grodan 50th Anniversary

Celebrations around the world

In 2019 we celebrated our 50thAnniversary around the world with our customers and partners.

1950 - 1970

• The economic growth results in an increasing demand for fresh produce in  Europe. The first supermarkets pop up in Europe and this opens up new markets for growers as well as this changes the established political relations, logistic requirements and packaging.
 
• Mechanization and knowledge development result in a rising productivity. Migrant workers are needed to do the work.
 
• European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): internal trade barriers are removed and trade agreements are made between European countries. Europe integrates step by step.

 

GRODAN192055 5 EgilJorgenson

29082019 GR PHO 5055

Grodan 50th Anniversary
The next 50 years there will be more change and more innovation than the past 500 years

Adjiedj Bakas

Trendwatcher

1970 - 2000

• Internationalization of horticulture continues. Increased purchasing power of large food retailers. Banks are prepared to provide finance for growing horticultural companies.
 
• Auctions merge and become bigger, as well as their members do. Large growers unite to control their sales and to develop horizontal market power.
 
• Major investments in control of cultivation and in energy supplies.

 

 

 

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At the end of the horizon I see the full autonomous greenhouse

Leo Marcelis

Horticulture and Product Physiology at Wageningen University & Research
Head of chair group
Grodan 50th Anniversary
The future will be plant based

Katinka Versendaal

Eatalier
Food designer

 

 

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2000 - 2020

• The power of the super market is without prejudice enormous, however new channels are emerging.
 
• It is increasingly difficult to hire a suitable workforce. Due to a strong development of horticulture in Poland, the workers prefer to the job in their own country.
 
• Enlargement of scale continues: the surface area of horticultural companies increases to more than hundred hectares.
 
• Strict regulations on crop protection, water usage, energy and emissions from Europe.

2020

• Consumers are increasingly demanding. Relative elements in the mix are healthy and personalized food, a conscious mind towards food waste. As technology causes transparency in the chain, the power moves more and more towards the consumer.
 
• A shift from green-fingered growing to datadriven growing. Problems with regards to successors are a challenge for growers.
 
• Enormous investments in controlling the cultivation and energy supply.
 
• Sustainability becomes an integral concept and determines the ‘license to operate’.

 

 

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Control of the pH level in the root environment

Cultivating in stone wool provides full control over nutrient levels. With regular analysis, growers monitor pH and EC, crucial for influencing plant growth. pH management tips are crucial for optimal results.

We are a global leader in the supply of innovative stone wool substrate solutions for the professional horticultural based on Precision Growing principles.

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