HortiQ certificates for Dutch horticulture partners
Photo: HortiQ/Fotostudio Vlekke
Loek Hermans, Chairman of Greenport Holland, presented the five new certificates in the Dutch town of De Lier. During a festive gathering on 1 December, he emphasised the added value HortiQ certification brings to the international horticultural sector. "The Dutch technical suppliers anticipate and deliver products and services to help growers, financers and insurers run a secure and stable business model. For example support is required with investments in greenhouses, climate systems, automation and internal transport, particularly whenever a greater physical distance is involved. HortiQ certification offers such support."
Strict demands
To receive a HortiQ certificate, companies are tested on their internal processes, organisation and the quality of the product they offer. The demands are based on the NEN standards as recorded in three quality handbooks. These handbooks have been drafted by the 'Stichting Kwaliteit voor Installaties Nederland' (KviNL, the Dutch organisation for monitoring the quality of installations). Checks on companies are performed by KIWA/Gastec; an independent certification organisation. The certificate is valid for three years, with intermediate annual checking. The handbooks are continuously updated to reflect the current level of technology and are also available in English for the international market.
Focus on quality
As well as their certificate, the five newly HortiQ certified companies were also presented with a special 'Focus' art work. HortiQ's deputy chairman Harm Maters, explains: “Our suppliers centre on quality in their processes and products, this needs to be absolutely guaranteed. Consider for example food safety in food products. The HortiQ certification identifies which Dutch companies in the sector focus on premier quality.”
HortiQ certified companies are Alcomij, Bosman Van Zaal, Certhon, Dalsem Tuinbouwprojecten, Enthoven Elektrotechniek, Gakon Horticultural Projects, Hoogendoorn, J.M. van der Hoeven, Kubo Tuinbouwprojecten, PB Techniek, Snelder, Van der Hoeven greenhousebuilders, Van Dijk Heating and Zantingh.
For more information:
HortiQ
info@hortiq.nl
hortiq.nl