The past year hasn't been exciting for those working in the flower industry in the Netherlands, and for Van den Berg RoseS, it is no different. The energy crisis forced this, and other, growers to take unprecedented measures: a new planting was brought forward, instead of June, it was done as early as January. Another part of the greenhouse went 'cold' and to make matters worse, the expensive energy led to less exposure, and less exposure resulted in quality issues in December.
Father Thijs and son Arie van den Berg, after a successful buyers' day
But Arie van der Berg is not the type of guy to hang his head. The grower organized a Buyers' Day at the nursery in Delfgauw, and so buyers and other relations could see for themselves that "Berg RoseS is back, and how!"
Arie van den Berg gives a presentation and talks about the challenges and developments Berg RoseS has gone through
This comeback, insofar as there is one at all, is mainly in a change of cultivation strategy. Investments have been made in full-LED. This means that now, with the 400 Mmol, the most illuminated greenhouses in the Netherlands can be found in Delfgauw. Where year-round good quality and level production is guaranteed.
The crop under the new full-LED installation
Of course, it was a huge investment to hang 10,500 LED fixtures, but it gives Dutch rose growing at Berg RoseS a future. "There are now 365 days of summer in the greenhouse, something that, to my knowledge, no one has yet managed to do to this extent," Arie van den Berg tells us. "An LED fixture gives almost twice as much light as a traditional Son-T fixture. So actually, the cost per rose stem in electricity is almost halved." This is, of course, beyond the investment, but it will be quickly recouped in the coming years. Arie continued, "The full-LED installation was installed 6 weeks ago now. We have already learned a lot but will also have a lot to learn in the coming winters."
In January, 2.5 hectares of crop were replaced. There, the young plants are now growing again. 12,000 m² of Avalanche +, 7,000 m² of Sophia Loren and 4,000 m² of Harlequin were added. This crop rotation was originally scheduled for June but has been brought forward.
Sander van Winden, left, tells more about the newly planted crop
A number of news items were also discussed, such as the farm in Kenya. 3 years ago, floods flooded 15 of the 60 hectares of production. Since then, the water level of the lake has dropped 2 meters, and 8 hectares have been replanted. A virtue of necessity has been made by planting more large-flowered roses in various colors.
Thijs van den Berg makes for an entertaining tour while everyone listens attentively to his knowledge and love for the trade, gathered over the years
Divided into a number of groups, the group was finally treated to a tour of the company, which of course, paid particular attention to the LEDs and the young planted crop. This area is used for order picking of Dutch and Kenyan roses, both for day trade for wholesalers.
Various varieties were presented in the cold store for a closer look.
See an impression of the Buyers' Day here.
For more information:
Berg RoseS
Email: info@bergroses.com
www.bergroses.com