Backed by 125 years of experience, the fifth generation of Hofland Flowering Plants has earned the accolade of Purveyor to the Dutch Court. Several of the company’s five generations have gained in-depth expertise in growing Schlumbergera over the years, allowing it to rightfully claim the title of specialist in that field. In addition, the nursery offers a variety of indoor and outdoor plants that are sold in various European countries – all done as sustainably as possible, says owner Annemiek Hofland.
The nursery now covers 6.5 hectares of greenhouse space. Hofland Flowering Plants has expanded significantly over the years, and they have also made great strides in terms of sustainability. “Geothermal heat is what I find most impressive,” says Hofland. “You extract something out of the ground and then put it back.”
Working with nature
This concept aligns seamlessly with the company’s circular philosophy. “We don’t want to take anything away from Mother Earth but rather to work with nature. For example, we also collect surplus irrigation water and reuse it.” This harmony between grower and nature is also reflected in their use of biological crop control.
There are several more major sustainability projects in the pipeline for the coming years. “Apart from the things we do every day, like biological crop control and separating twenty different types of waste, we want to become even more sustainable in the longer term. We’re planning to switch to full LED lighting this year, for example, and 2026, we want to look into solar panels.”
Sharing insights with MPS
The company’s sustainability goals are also reflected in its various certifications, such as MPS-A, MPS-GAP, MPS-SQ and MPS-ProductProof. “We have a good relationship with MPS. Over the past few years, we have had visits from various MPS-ECAS auditors who share insights and tips – and they also tell us what we’re getting right, which is always nice to hear.”
In addition, Hofland Flowering Plants participates in an MPS working group in which growers provide practical insights on changes to certification standards. “We look at how things are phrased, for example. Different growers can interpret instructions and guidelines in different ways, so it’s good to be able to make adjustments to ensure that any changes align as closely as possible with the reality on the ground.”
Embrace the HortiFootprint Calculator
Lastly, Hofland extends a call to her fellow growers. “The sector sometimes gets unfair criticism in the news. It’s important for us to counteract this together, but backed up with data, so we can show how green the sector really is. That’s why I urge everyone to use the HortiFootprint Calculator!”
