Glasshouse vegetable growing in the Netherlands The production and sale of vegetables has become increasingly internationalised in recent

years. Vegetables are now often produced in those places where the economic conditions are most favourable. Because large areas of our country are devoted to glasshouse culture and we have an important network of wholesale and export businesses, the Netherlands plays a leading international role both in the production and sale of vegetables.

Glasshouse vegetable growing in the Netherlands Although only 6% of the total horticultural area in the Netherlands is used for glasshouse vegetables, this sector grows a quarter of all vegetables produced. In addition glasshouse horticulture is responsible for 50% of the production value of the all fruit and vegetables grown in the country. Eighty per cent of Dutch products are exported. Thanks to the concentration of international trade flows in the country and the innovative character of the sector, the Netherlands can be said to be a trend-setter in this area. The percentage of world trade in fresh vegetables carried out by Dutch trading companies runs into double figures. This includes both fresh vegetables produced in the Netherlands and those imported from abroad. Dutch trade in fresh vegetables within the European Union amounts to as much as 40%. Production Areas in Netherlands The most important centres of production are to be found in the west of the country, in the area around Schipol Airport and the so-called Westland between The Hague and Rotterdam. There are also large production areas in the east and south east, mostly in the provinces of Drenthe and Limburg. The most important glasshouse vegetables are sweet peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. In addition a whole range of other glasshouse vegetables are produced, such as radishes, aubergines, courgettes, chicory, lettuce, fennel and gherkins. Other vegetables, such as cabbages, spinach and peas are grown in the open. These form the basis of an important processing industry for frozen foods and preserves in glass. Strong product specialisation Vegetables are mainly produced by family businesses, with the owner working in the business. Traditionally most Dutch growers do not sell their products themselves, but belong to auction cooperatives. The auctions serve as market place for buyers and sellers and facilitate the selling process, leaving the grower to concentrate on production. This has resulted in far-reaching product specialisation by the growers and the emergence of specialised suppliers of propagation stock and equipment.

For many years the Dutch Government has supported the horticulture sector with research, information and education. The testing stations are one example of this. The government has now changed its policy and its role is now geared to setting standards and conditions for horticultural production. These standards relate to quality, the environment, crop protection, nature and landscape and working conditions. The government still actively stimulates innovation in the sector and also is a strong supporter of the removal of international trade barriers, such as phytosanitary measures.

Exports, world-wide, EU and the Netherlands In thousand million Euros NL share World EU Netherlands In world In EU Fruit and vegetables 58.4 26.5 5.4 9% 20% Vegetables 21.8 10.7 3.1 14% 29% - fresh 11.2 6.3 2.5 22% 40% - processed 10.6 4.4 0.6 6% 13% Number of companies 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Fruit and vegetable horticulture - glasshouse vegetables 4,911 4,686 4,411 4,194 4,075 3,767 - mushrooms 730 715 670 621 609 576 - horticultural seeds 509 519 551 535 529 Wholesale and traders 1,234 1,264 1,328 1,388 1,218 1,174 Exporters 254 285 285 284 284 302 Source: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek via Productschap Tuinbouw Production value of glasshouse vegetables in million Euros 1980 1990 1997 1998 1999 +/- in % Glasshouse vegetables 677 2,584 1,172 1,180 1,075 -9% Mushrooms 73 182 277 293 284 -3% Source: Productschap Tuinbouw Employment Employment Participating Permanent Temporary 1998 owners employees employees and and families casual work % % % Greenhouse vegetable Businesses 20,57155 31 16 Mushroom businesses 5,469 35 43 22 Source: Productschap Tuinbouw

Area of horticultural crops under glass Hectares 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 vegetables 4,498 4,405 4,247 4,203 4,306 Tomatoes 1,241 1,220 1,058 1,157 1,307 Cucumbers 874 808 784 749 710 Sweet Peppers 980 996 1 012 967 Aubergines 93 89 99 97 83 Mushrooms 106 109 100 100 98 - heated 4,125 4,044 3,873 3,849 3,981 - cold 373 361 363 354 326 355 - substrate culture 3,161 3,100 2,724 . Source: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek

1999 4,282 1,178 710 1,010 1,119 86 94 3,927 2,895 3,067

Vegetable production 1999 Tomat0 Cucumber Sweet Pepper Lettuce Aubergine Mushroom Production in 1,000 tonnes 525 455 285 40 38 245 Production vallue in million EUR 379 196 357 27 29 284 Source: Productschap Tuinbouw en Coperatieve Nederlandse Champignonkwekersvereninging (CNC)

Production of glasshouse vegetables and mushrooms The production of glasshouse vegetables in the Netherlands can be divided into three main products: sweet peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. In addition a large range of other types of vegetables are grown, for example aubergines. Together, however, these only account for less than 10% of total glasshouse vegetable cultivation. The cultivation of mushrooms is also important. Sweet Peppers The high quality of the peppers makes them especially suitable for export. More than 85% of peppers produced are intended for export. Almost half of these go to Germany, but second place is taken by the United Kingdom with 17%. It is interesting to note that a large amount of the peppers produced, 8%, amounting to 22,000 tonnes, is exported to the US. The success of the Dutch pepper abroad is reflected in the production process. The area devoted to the crop has grown enormously in the past ten years. In the early eighties this was 300 ha. It is currently almost four times larger. This means that the pepper has overtaken the tomato as the most important vegetable crop.

The Netherlands mainly cultivates the square type with thick flesh. In addition to the red and green pepper, a large number of yellow and orange peppers are produced. Tomatoes Ninety per cent of tomatoes produced are exported. Most are exported to Germany, followed by England, Scandinavia and France. The United States is a large buyer of vine tomatoes. Disappointing export figures in the nineties forced the Dutch tomato producers to review their situation and concentrate on product innovation. This resulted in the creation of new varieties with more flavour. Vine tomato production also took off. Cucumbers The third most important greenhouse vegetable in terms of turnover is the cucumber. Approximately 80% of production is exported. More than three quarters is sold to Germany, followed by England, France and Scandinavia. Cucumbers are grown all year round, mostly on rock wool mats. Varieties currently grown in the Netherlands are extremely disease resistant and free of bitter taste. On arrival at auction the fruit must be of regular shape, a dark bottle green colour and thickness should be in proportion to length. Lettuce New varieties continue to be added to the range of lettuces available. The consumer now has a choice of iceberg lettuce, curly-leaved endive, Lollo rossa, Lollo bionda, oak-leaf lettuce, and so on. In spite of this the traditional cabbage lettuce is still the most important leaf vegetable crop for glasshouse growers. Cabbage lettuce is produced all year round in soil on the glasshouse floor. Aubergine The aubergine is often associated with Mediterranean countries. But the aubergine has become one of the show pieces of Dutch fruit and vegetable production. It is a warmth-loving crop. By changing from soil to rock wool and improving growing techniques, the production of this crop has increased enormously. Ninety per cent of aubergines brought to auction are exported. The largest buyers are Germany, France and England, who together account for three quarters of aubergine exports. Mushrooms There are 600 mushroom growers in the Netherlands, mostly in the south. Mushrooms intended for retail have to be picked carefully by hand. Only mushrooms with a closed or veiled cap are suitable for the consumer market. Mushrooms with open cap are used in the preserving industry.

About half of the Dutch growers produce specially for the preserving industry. An even growth to maturity means that the mushrooms can be harvested in one operation by a cutting machine which rides over the growing beds. Supply industry Dutch horticultures highly developed and sophisticated product specialisation has created a large and professional supply industry. The supply sector for greenhouse horticulture encompasses many diverse businesses: suppliers of vegetable seed and young plants, glasshouse construction and installation companies, suppliers of harvesting and sorting machines, innovative machines for logistic improvement of the production process and suppliers of other horticultural goods (equipment, accessories) such as pots, trays, covers and sheeting. There are also specialised consultants. The total production value of this sector amounted to EUR 1.7 thousand million in 1996. Horticultural suppliers are not only active in the Netherlands. They are operating increasingly on the world market. Almost a quarter of the production value of this sector is obtained abroad. Propagating material Plant breeding The breeding of horticultural crops has a long history in the Netherlands. Traditionally seed companies were located in the north-west, around Enkhuizen. Many plant breeders are also located in or near the Westland. Because of the importance of the Dutch market many plant breeders from the United States, Japan, France and other countries have set up branches here, or work together with Dutch plant breeders. This is due to the highly specialised nature of plant breeding which makes cooperation and upscaling essential. The high costs involved can usually only be met by companies operating internationally. In spite of this internationalisation much of the research into new varieties has remained in the Netherlands. This research involves varieties intended both for the Dutch market and abroad. A significant proportion of vegetable seed is exported. The Netherlands continues to be the home of plant breeding. Young plants Glasshouse vegetable growers no longer sow their crops themselves. Sowing and cultivation of young plants has become the work of highly specialised nurseries using advanced computer techniques and robots. The whole production process is a prime example of the advanced technology which is characteristic of Dutch horticulture. Individual businesses would never to be able to achieve such a high rate of germination as these specialised growers.

Mushroom compost Mushrooms grow on dead organic material such as compost. Most compost used by Dutch mushroom growers is produced by the Dutch growers cooperative, Coperatieve Nederlandse Champignonkwekersvereniging. More than 95% of Dutch mushroom growers belong to this cooperative. After six days this compost is free from fungi and bacteria harmful to mushrooms and is ready to be spawned with mushroom spore. The compost is transported to the grower in lorries used exclusively for mushroom compost. The grower spawns the mushrooms by mixing grains of corn spawned with mushroom spore, into the compost. The cooperative can also perform this task if desired and the grower is supplied with spawn-run compost, which reduces the growing time by approximately two weeks. Surface area of young plants grown for greenhouse vegetables in ha 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 180 178 167 176 169 160 Source: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek via Productschap Tuinbouw

Plant Breeders Rights In order to finance the high cost of plant breeding it is important that the breeders are paid for their efforts through plant breeders rights and licences. It is now possible for breeders to claim the rights for new varieties in about thirty countries. All countries which recognise plant breeders rights are members of the Union Internationale pour la Protection des Obtentions Vgtales (UPOV) in Geneva. This organisation gives its members guidelines for breeders rights regulation and assesses requests for breeders rights. Breeders rights give the variety owner the sole right to produce the variety, because both the growing material and the end product are protected. Third parties can pay for a licence to produce and sell propagating material or to grow the material on to the end product. The holder of plant breeders rights is obliged to have sufficient propagating material available at a reasonable price, especially in the case of food crops. Producers are allowed to grow propagating material for their own use without paying licence fees (farmers privilege). Compliance with breeders rights is supervised by the Dutch Government. Buildings and Equipment Glasshouse construction The glasshouse serves as protection from the outside world and makes climate control possible. Dutch glasshouse builders have an enormous

amount of international expertise and experience in building glasshouses for horticulture. They specialise in designing glasshouses which take climate and lighting into consideration. The sector also supplies heating installations, watering systems and climate control computers which mean that the glasshouse climate and crop growth rate can be almost entirely regulated. There are two main types of glasshouse: the Venlo greenhouse and the wide-span. The type of glasshouse is determined by the crop to be grown. Dutch glasshouse builders have been world leaders in the design, construction and layout of glasshouses for many years. Mechanisation and automation The cultivation and harvesting of vegetables is still largely done by hand. Dutch specialisation in horticulture has meant that there is a very high degree of automation among these businesses. The glasshouse climate is regulated with the help of climate computers which operate the ventilators and screening. To a large extent internal transport and processing are also computerised with use of electric trolleys, conveyor belts and sorting and packaging machines. Many of these systems have been developed and introduced onto the market by Dutch companies. Other production equipment Most of the other production equipment used in horticulture, such as rock wool mats, fertilisers, pesticides and foils are sold via specialist horticultural suppliers, usually located in the heart of the growing areas. A large number of these products are also produced in the Netherlands and often exported world wide. Marketing glasshouse vegetables and mushrooms Auctions Auctions form the most important link between the grower and the glasshouse vegetable and mushroom trade. Most growers in the Netherlands do not sell the products themselves, but belong to one of the auction cooperatives. Membership of an auction implies that growers must sell all their products through the auction. This means that the product flows for fruit and vegetables are concentrated at the auctions. Products are distributed from the auction by wholesalers and exporters. In addition, over the past five years growers producing the same product have increasingly been forming growers associations. The associations then make contact directly with traders and mostly grow on a contract basis. In the late eighties competition on the fruit and vegetable market, especially from southern Europe, became much fiercer. In 1996, in order to deal with this increased competition, nine of the eleven fruit and vegetable

auctions and the central office of horticultural auctions merged into The Greenery International BV. Auction clock and auctioneer The auction clock is still the most important piece of equipment in trading. The so-called Dutch auction system is used, whereby the price starts high and is gradually reduced. The first person to react is the buyer of the product. In order to meet the specific wishes of fruit and vegetable customers, especially large supermarket chains, a large proportion of vegetables are now sold through traders/agents. The supermarkets can then be sure of a more or less constant price and are less dependent on daily fluctuations. Produce for greengrocers and market and door-to-door traders is still sold largely by auction clock. Distance buying via the computer is also on the increase. In spite of the emergence of these other selling methods, the price at the auction clock still determines the price level of glasshouse vegetables and mushrooms. Sorting, packaging and vegetable processing businesses In the Netherlands there are companies which specialise in sorting, packaging and processing of vegetables and fruit. Because of the increasing consumer demand for easily pre-pared products, the processing sector in particular has shown strong growth. Vegetable processing companies in the Netherlands work according the HACCP hygiene code. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point is intended to assess possible risks to food safety and to control them. It includes aspects such as personal hygiene, procedures during production, cleaning and disinfection and the layout of the business. Exporters and wholesalers The sale of glasshouse vegetables and mushrooms is conducted via specialised wholesalers and exporters. These trade not only in vegetables, fruit and mushrooms produced in the Netherlands, but also arrange the distribution of imported products from all over the world. The total amount of vegetables and fruit imported into the Netherlands amounts to approximately EU 3.6 thousand million. A large part of this amount is transported on to other European countries. In the Netherlands there are about 300 exporters of vegetables and fruit. In addition to independent exporters a number of export and wholesale businesses form part of The Greenery International. Logistics Most Dutch vegetables and mushrooms are sold within Europe. The majority are transported by road, on lorries. These lorries are temperature controlled to maintain optimal quality of the products. To improve the efficiency of transport flows not all products are first taken to auction. A

quarter of all greenhouse vegetables are transported directly from the grower to the customer. In addition, for long distances within Europe, increasing use is being made of rail transport. There are special fresh trains which travel to Italy and Russia. Marketing The Dutch information bureau for vegetable and fruit Voorlichtingsbureau Groente en Fruit is responsible for the marketing of Dutch vegetables, fruit and mushrooms. Dutch vegetables are marketed abroad in conjunction with the exporters organisation, for instance at trade fairs. In addition to the marketing bureau, The Greenery and other auctions are actively engaged in promotion, often in close consultation with large supermarket chains. Environment Consumers are becoming increasingly vocal in their concerns for food safety and the environment. In 1991 the Dutch Government drew up the Multi-Year Crop Protection Plan to cover policy to the year 2000. The agricultural sector and the government agreed a covenant in 1993 in which the sector endorsed the Plan. The Plan has three aims: to reduce pesticide use, pesticide dependence and pesticide emissions. The Dutch glasshouse horticulture sector addresses consumer concerns for the environment and food safety with its environmentally friendly management scheme (Milieu Bewuste Teelt, MBT). Growers participating in the scheme use integrated crop protection. That means that natural predators (ichneumon flies, bugs, spider mites and ladybirds) are used to get rid of harmful insects. The use of chemical pesticides is limited to those that are absolutely essential, as otherwise the biological balance between useful and harmful insects is disturbed. More than 70% of vegetables grown under glass are produced according to the guidelines of this environmentally friendly management scheme. For tomatoes and sweet peppers this is more than 90%. Vegetables produced in accordance with this scheme can be recognised by a butterfly logo. The independent organisation Certerra was set up to encourage environmentally friendly vegetable production. It lays down the ground rules for integrated crop protection and its monitoring. EKO label Vegetable growers who use biological crop protection and meet other conditions regarding waste separation, recycling of substrate and limited used of fertilizers and energy, can be considered for the EKO label. Under this labelling scheme, only those pesticides are permitted which have as little impact as possible on the environment. The growers also must use as much biological crop protection as possible. This is stimulated by discouraging the use of materials that are harmful to biological crop protection. The environmental quality mark institute has also drawn up

guidelines for the use of fertilizers. The type of crop dictates the maximum amount of nitrogen and phosphate which may be used by a grower. This also applies to the amount of energy that may be used. A number of other additional measures have to be applied, for instance waste management. Energy Energy is an important production factor and large cost item in horticulture, especially in greenhouse horticulture. One of the most essential parts of a greenhouse is the heating unit. This unit ensures the right growing temperature, so that optimal crop production and quality can be achieved. Warm water boiler The most common system of heating glasshouses is the warm water boiler, fuelled by gas, light or heavy oil. The heat is transported via a network of heating pipes or hoses to every corner of the glasshouse. The heat given off by the boiler is regulated by a climate control computer, so that energy is only used if the crop demands it. Total energy systems Business with a high electricity requirement often use a total energy installation. This installation, powered by gas, drives a generator which produces electricity. The cooling water from the gas motor can be used to heat the glasshouse. Because the demand for electricity and heat is not always equal, a warm water storage tank is used. The warm cooling water is stored in a well-insulated tank. When heat is required, this water can then be used. Carbon Dioxide Plants need carbon dioxide and water to grow. These are converted by sunlight into sugars and oxygen. In order to increase the CO2 level in the glasshouse the grower can add this gas extracted from purified exhaust gases from the boiler or total energy installation. The crops heat requirement during the daytime is not very high, so that extra heat can be stored in the heat storage tank, in order to heat the glasshouse at night. Multi-Year Energy Agreement Dutch horticulture is becoming increasingly successful in its attempts to save energy. Four horticulture sectors, greenhouse, bulbs, mushrooms and vegetable and fruit processing, have signed an agreement with the government to save energy. Investment in the knowledge needed to save energy naturally costs money. To fund this investment the sector has introduced a tariff. This tariff is collected via the energy bill from the energy supply company who then passes it on to the Product Board for Horticulture. Knowledge and Research

Knowledge and research are important for the growers of the Dutch horticulture sector. Scientific, strategic and applied horticultural research are all carried out in the Netherlands. The results of this research are disseminated via study groups and the various educational institutes. In addition there are also private consultancies which are commissioned to conduct research. The results of such research would then be for the use of the organisation commissioning it. Scientific research is carried out at the University of Wageningen. The departments most closely involved with the sector are the Department of Plant Science and the Department of Crop Protection and Plant breeding. Wageningen also conducts research into the economic, management and marketing aspects of horticulture. Several research institutes in Wageningen work together with the University under the name Wageningen Research Centre to conduct strategic research. The Agrotechnological Research Institute, ATO, Plant Research International and the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, IMAG, carry out horticultural research. ATO carries out research into quality maintenance in agricultural production chains. Plant Research International studies plant genetics, reproduction, plant physiology, agricultural systems, soil fertility, crop protection, crop ecology and optimalisation of plant health and production quality. IMAGs research is aimed at realising optimal climate in glasshouses and other production areas. As of 2001 practical plant research in the Netherlands will be combined under the Practical Plant Research organisation, Plantaardig Praktijk Onderzoek, PPO. The glasshouse horticulture cluster of this organisation works for the cut flowers, potted plants and glasshouse vegetable sector. The PPO has branches in the west of the country in Aalsmeer and Naaldwijk, the south (Horst) and the north (Klazienaveen), where the work is conducted in modern, well-equipped glasshouse complexes. In addition the PPO has at its disposal laboratories, cold storage rooms and growth chambers and expertise to support research. It is also able to carry out lighting measurements, substrate and nutritional research. PPO carries out work for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, and the Commodity board for Horticulture, which represents the sector. In addition individual businesses and organisations can pay to have research carried out. The mushroom experimental station in Horst carries out research into the cultivation of edible mushrooms, primarily commissioned by Dutch mushroom growers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. It also carries out research for individual businesses or groups of businesses. The station collects, develops and presents information about the cultivation of edible mushrooms. In addition it provides a service to help the mushroom sector with problems about compost, casing soil or spawn. Exchange of Knowledge

Through their local growers organisations, most Dutch vegetable growers belong to the Groeiservice of the Dutch Organisation for Agriculture and Horticulture, LTO. This organisation is the successor to the Dutch horticultural study groups, (Nederlands Tuinbouw Studieclubs) and organises information evenings, excursions, courses and workshops on all aspects of business operation. These could be crop-related (choice of variety, climate control, integrated crop protection), or deal with a business theme, for example solvency, personnel management, IT management or market driven production. In addition to receiving advice from experts, the growers themselves also exchange knowledge and experience. The Groeiservice also supports growers groups. They often work together on a project basis, for instance on technology growers, practical research or product promotion. The Groeiservice represents the growers in negotiations with research and information bodies, suppliers and customers. Individual advice Whereas the growers service is aimed at knowledge exchange for the whole sector, private consultancies usually work exclusively for their client. The increasing professionalisation and competition in flower growing means that growers and traders frequently look to private consultancies for advice. These bureaus are active both in the Netherlands and abroad. Practical training The horticulture department of the Innovation and Practice Centre in Ede provides additional specialist education for the horticulture sector and for heating and cooling engineers. The IPC organises courses world wide. Foreign participants regularly attend courses in Ede, but courses are also provided locally in their own countries. One important aim of the courses is to achieve direct returns by immediate use of the knowledge gained. The horticulture department carries out innovative projects, translating the latest technical developments are incorporated into training. The IPC horticulture department carries out international projects itself and provides support and guidance to various international projects. The International Agricultural Centre (IAC) in Wageningen is an independent non-profit organisation allied to Wageningen University. The IAC contributes to the quality of projects and programmes carried out in co-operation with developing countries and the countries of central and eastern Europe. The IAC provides courses for professionals, primarily from developing countries and assists in courses given abroad. It also gives advice about programmes and projects for developing countries and mediates in individual study programmes for researchers. Quality Guaranteed quality is the primary requirement in the trade and export of horticultural products. The Commodity board for Horticulture lays down

quality and health standards for horticultural crops grown and traded in the Netherlands, which are then monitored by the Quality Control Bureau for Vegetables and Fruit (KCB) and the Inspection Service for Horticulture, Naktuinbouw. The KCB, under instruction from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, supervises legal standards of vegetables and fruit produced in the Netherlands. Three vegetable and fruit producers and traders organisations are represented in the KCB. It has approximately 900 members, which include auctions, sorting and packing stations, growers and exporters. Its statutory duties include conducting random inspections at the businesses of both members and non-members. It also issues inspection and phytosanitary certificates for the export of vegetables and fruit. Inspection Service for Horticulture The Inspection Service for Horticulture (Naktuinbouw, a combination of the former NAKB and NAKG inspection agencies) controls compliance with the health and quality regulations for propagation material (seeds and young plants). Producers of propagation material perform their own quality controls, and Naktuinbouw ensures that other associated companies (plant breeders, propagators, traders and growers) operate according to proper business practices. Naktuinbouw inspectors carry out regular inspections of the material for purity of variety, trueness to variety, health and outward appearance. Only products meeting the requirements may be sold. Horticultural varieties must be precisely described to qualify for admission to the market and/or protection under European Breeders Rights. Naktuinbouws varieties and testing unit makes an inventory of the properties and physical characteristics of vegetable crops, for propagation material, semi-finished and finished products. The varieties and testing unit works for both Dutch and foreign growers. Trade Associations Several organisations represent the interests of the various links in the horticultural production chain. Commodity Board for Horticulture The Commodity Board for Horticulture is the umbrella organisation uniting all the links in the horticultural production chain. The Commodity Board promotes the interests of growers, propagators, breeders, importers and exporters, auctions, gardeners, retail and wholesalers and their employees. The aim of the Commodity Board is to improve the international competitiveness of Dutch horticulture. The board looks after the interests of the entire sector. It is financed by levying contributions from all companies working in horticulture in the Netherlands. This means that no company reaps the benefit of these activities without contributing to the Commodity Board.

The Commodity Board is managed by the horticultural sector itself. The management is made up of representatives of growers, auction, traders and employees organisations. The national Commodity Board regulations apply to all horticultural companies. The Association of Contractors and Fitters in Glasshouse Horticulture The Association of Contractors and Fitters in Glasshouse Horticulture (Algemene Vereniging van Aannemers en Installateurs in de Glastuinbouw, AVAG) is the organisation representing Dutch glasshouse construction and fitting companies. It has about 40 members and represents glasshouse construction companies, system suppliers and fitters of glasshouse technology. AVAG encourages the development of environmentally friendly glasshouses, advises on safety and working conditions in glasshouse construction and is helping to draw up the European glasshouse construction standard. The AVAG is also one of the organisers of the Dutch Horticultural Trade Show within the International Horti Fair. Dutch Organisation for Agriculture and Horticulture The Glasshouse Horticulture Association of the Dutch Organisation for Agriculture and Horticulture (LTO-The Netherlands) promotes the interests of glasshouse growers. The group consults with the government and policy makers when new regulations are being drawn up. The LTO also initiates projects, research and other activities to encourage and support developments in the sector. Federation of Vegetable and Fruit Exporters Various organisations represent the interests of vegetable and fruit wholesalers, with the export branch united in the Dutch Export Association for Fruit and Vegetables (Algemene Nederlandse Bond van Groente- en Fruitexporteurs). Companies selling most of their produce in the Netherlands are represented by the Association for Vegetable and Fruit Wholesalers and Distributors (Vereniging voor de Groot- en Tussenhandel in Groente en Fruit), and wholesale importers are represented by the Dutch Association of Fruit and Vegetable Importers (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Fruit- en Groenteimporteurs). These organisations all work closely with one another, given their common interests in the vegetable and fruit sector. Dutch Seed Trade Association NVZP The Dutch Seed Trade Association (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Zaaizaad en Plantgoed, NVZP) represents Dutch companies working in breeding, production and trade in plant propagating material. To serve its members as thoroughly as possible, the NVZP enters into agreements with the government, offers its members a platform for exchange of knowledge and information, provides information and advice, co-ordinates joint research projects and acts as an employers organisation when collective labour agreements are being created and implemented for seed companies.

Trade fairs AGF Totaal AGF Totaal is a biennial international trade fair for the potato, vegetable and fruit trade. Since 1981, it has been held in the second week of September in odd-numbered years in Rotterdams Ahoy Arena. With 500 participants from 42 countries, a surface area of 20,000 m2 and 30,000 visitors, AGF is the largest trade fair of its kind in Europe. The emphasis is on fresh produce. The majority of exhibitors are from trading companies from all over the world, who wish to make contact with buyers. Growers associations have also become important participants in the last few years. Besides sellers of fresh produce, other businesses such as transport companies, the packaging industry, suppliers of cooling facilities, branch organisations, seed companies and nurseries visit AGF Totaal. International Horti Fair The International Horti Fair is the most important trade fair for growers in Dutch glasshouse horticulture and their suppliers. About 1,000 companies exhibit their latest products and services, both for fruit and vegetables and for flowers and ornamental plants. Participants come from more than 50 countries and represent the full spectrum of current and future developments in horticulture production and the supply sector. Mushroom Days Mushroom Days is a special biennial trade fair for the edible mushroom sector. The fair is held every even-numbered year in May in the MECC in Maastricht, in the south of the country. More than 80 suppliers present the latest in technology, materials, packaging, growing supplies and services for growers of edible mushrooms.

Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries Department for Trade and Industry Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer en Visserij Directie Industrie en Handel PO Box 20401 2500 EK The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 378 68 68 F +31 70 378 61 23 www.minlnv.nl/international Dutch Export Association for Fruit and Vegetables Algemene Nederlandse Bond van Groente- en Fruitexporteurs PO Box 90410

2509 LK The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 385 01 00 F +31 70 347 52 53 export@fruittrade-nl.com www.fruittrade-nl.com The Association of Contractors and Fitters in Glasshouse Horticulture Algemene Vereniging van Aannemers en Installateurs in de Glastuinbouw (AVAG) PO Box 146 2690 AC s-Gravenzande The Netherlands T +31 174 44 66 60 F +31 174 44 66 61 info@avag.nl www.avag.nl Agrotechnological Research Institute Institute voor Agrotechnologisch Onderzoek ATO B.V. PO Box 17 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 47 50 00 F +31 317 47 53 47 www.ato.wageningen-ur.nl Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Association Bedrijfschap voor de Groothandel in Groente en Fruit PO Box 90410 2509 LK The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 385 01 00 F +31 70 347 52 53 bedrijfschap@fruittrade-nl.com www.fruittrade-nl.com Certerra (Environmentally friendly cultivation) PO Box 151 2700 AD Zoetermeer The Netherlands T +31 79 322 99 36 F +31 79 322 97 68 info@certerra.nl Coperatieve Nederlandse Champignonkwekersvereniging (CNC) PO Box 13 6590 AA Gennep The Netherlands T +31 485 51 65 41 F +31 485 51 78 23

info@cnc.nl www.cnc.nl DLV Adviesgroep PO Box 7001 6700 CA Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 49 15 11 F +31 317 46 04 00 info@dlv.agro.nl www.dlv.nl National Reference Centre for Agriculture Expertisecentrum LNV PO Box 482 6710 BL Ede The Netherlands T +31 318 67 14 00 F +31 318 62 47 37 info@eclnv.agro.nl The Greenery International PO Box 3344 4800 DH Breda The Netherlands T +31 76 528 80 00 F +31 76 528 82 09 greentime@thegreenery.com www.thegreenery.com Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (IMAG) PO Box 43 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 47 63 00 F +31 317 42 56 70 www.imag.wageningen-ur.nl International Agricultural Centre (IAC) PO Box 88 6700 AB Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 49 54 95 F +31 317 49 53 95 iac@iac.agro.nl www.iac.agro.nl Innovation and Practice Centre IPC Ede PO Box 32 6710 BA Ede

The Netherlands T +31 318 69 71 11 F +31 318 63 44 72 www.ipcagro.nl Kwaliteits Controle Bureau voor Groente en Fruit (KCB) PO Box 43133 2504 AC The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 308 80 00 F +31 70 308 80 01 kcb@kcb.nl LTO Groeiservice PO Box 1120 2280 CC Rijswijk The Netherlands T +31 70 414 18 81 F +31 70 414 18 60 post@groeiservice.nl www.groeiservice.nl Inspection Service for Horticulture (NAKtuinbouw) PO Box 40 2370 AA Roelofarendsveen The Netherlands T +31 71 332 62 62 F +31 71 332 63 63 info@naktuinbouw.nl www.naktuinbouw.nl De Nederlandse Vereniging voor Fruit- en Groenten-Importhandel PO Box 90410 2509 LK The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 383 28 70 F +31 70 347 52 53 import@fruittrade-nl.com www.fruittrade-nl.com Nederlandse Vereniging van Plantenkwekers (NVP) PO Box 67 2600 AB Delft The Netherlands T +31 15 262 41 79 F +31 15 261 03 54 nvp@wxs.nl www.ltonet.nl The Dutch Seed Trade Association Nederlandse Vereniging voor Zaaizaad en Plantgoed (NVZP)

PO Box 909 3700 AX Zeist The Netherlands T +31 30 693 31 35 F +31 30 693 29 51 nvzp@nvzp.nl www.nvzp.nl Plant Protection Service Plantenziektenkundige Dienst PO Box 9012 6700 HC Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 49 69 11 F +31 317 42 17 01 pd.info@pd.agro.nl www.minlnv.nl/international Commodity Board for Horticulture Productschap Tuinbouw PO Box 280 2700 AG Zoetermeer The Netherlands T +31 79 347 07 07 F +31 79 347 04 04 pt@tuinbouw.nl www.tuinbouw.nl Research Station for Floriculture and Glasshouse Vegetables Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente (PBG) Location Naaldwijk: PO Box 8 2670 AA Naaldwijk The Netherlands T +31 174 63 67 00 F +31 174 63 68 35 pbg@pbg.agro.nl www.agro.nl/appliedresearch/pbg Research Station for Mushroom Culture Proefstation voor de Champignoncultuur PO Box 6042 5960 AA Horst The Netherlands T +31 77 464 75 75 F +31 77 464 15 67 www.agro.nl/pc Auction ZON, Auction for Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers and Ornamental Plants PO Box 8503

5970 AA Grubbenvorst The Netherlands T +31 77 323 99 99 F +31 77 323 97 19 office@veilingzon.nl www.veilingzon.nl Association of Dutch Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries (VIGEF) PO Box 177 2300 AD Leiden The Netherlands T +31 71 522 42 20 F +31 71 522 50 95 vigef@vsl.nl Vereniging voor de Groot- en Tussenhandel in Groente en Fruit PO Box 90410 2509 LK The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 385 01 00 F +31 70 347 52 53 vgt@fruittrade-nl.com www.fruittrade-nl.com Voorlichtingsbureau Groenten en Fruit PO Box 315 2700 AH Zoetermeer The Netherlands T +31 79 347 08 08 F +31 79 347 05 05 vgf@groentenenfruit.nl Wageningen University and Research Centre PO Box 9101 6700 HB Wageningen The Netherlands T +31 317 48 44 72 F +31 317 48 48 84 info@www.wag-ur.nl www.wageningen-ur.nl