Queen Maxima opened the World Horti Center in Naaldijk. Also present were the minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Carola Schouten, BNN presenter Jan Versteegh, the usual suspects from the horticultural sector, a number of invitees, participating companies, representatives of MBO Westland, various involved government agencies and finally a lot of press.
Maxima is led around by the initiator of the WHC Peter van Adrichem. This is one of the test greenhouses (a test with lisianthus)
The word unique is bandied about a lot, but the initiators have really managed to set up something amazing. In the center government, education, and business really come together, and everybody is advertising for everybody. Because the Netherlands, as you know, is worldwide renowned as an innovation horticultural nation, and because the best of the best in the fields of greenhouse construction, seeds, automation, logistics etc have been brought together, the interested foreigner can get answers to all his questions.
A first and not unimportant success has already been made. All participating companies have each been asked to commit to the WHC for a number of years and up to some months ago it was uncertain whether there was enough interest. At the last minute the empty slots have been filled and, on the contrary, the mood has turned around completely. At the eleventh hour there were still some companies who wanted to join - Dümmen, Schoneveld, Van Zanten - and all the slots suddenly have been filled and others are left in the lurch.
A first and not unimportant success has already been made. All participating companies have each been asked to commit to the WHC for a number of years and up to some months ago it was uncertain whether there was enough interest. At the last minute the empty slots have been filled and, on the contrary, the mood has turned around completely. At the eleventh hour there were still some companies who wanted to join - Dümmen, Schoneveld, Van Zanten - and all the slots suddenly have been filled and others are left in the lurch.
The opening ceremony had dance, music, an extensive video and finally the pressing of a button by Maxima, a nice show