"More automation needed in Dutch horticulture"

In the festively decorated room, growers stood around chatting while enjoying the tasty buffet. Fred Bunnik and Bram Fransen (Florizon Plants) discussed cultivation and the future. Fred said, "It is great that there are plans for further digitisation. We are lagging behind current developments and need to work faster. Automation in the horticultural sector was pathetic. We really need FloraMondo 2.0." Bram took over his father's company two years ago and is now running it with his brother (with their father in the background). At that time, everything was done using intercoms, but already 80% of the company has been digitised.

"Happy with the clear direction"
Three growers of summer annuals from Noordwijkerhout were having a discussion. Cees said, "Never before has there been such change at Royal FloraHolland. And it is about time. Robots really are the future. The cooperative was always large and unwieldy, and thankfully that is now changing. We need to get ahead in the sector." Aad added, "With summer annuals you are always going to need a clock auction. Otherwise, what do you base your price-setting on? It is important to stand out as a grower. Summer annuals cannot be compared anywhere else." Niek confirmed, "The combination of clock and digital is good for us. I am happy that the auction has set a clear direction. There was so much uncertainty this time last year."

Source: Royal FloraHolland

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