RESPONSIBLE | H.M. Tesselaar on its way to Planet Proof

The Preferred Supplier explains: ‘The more I know about the possibilities of organic production, the more it dawns on me that we know so little. We keep learning every day and each day brings us closer to a sustainable production system, which is also economically viable.’

LED lighting

The grower stepped out of his comfort zone two year ago and made contact with a biologist. ‘Believe it or not but there is still so much to gain even in the smallest details. We discovered a new method to purify water for example and different options with LED lighting are still unexplored.’ The renovated greenhouse based in Heerhugowaard (The Netherlands) has beautiful purple-pink LED lighting. Niels: ‘It gives fuller, greener and more dynamic plants. I am really happy with the results.’

The industry must change 

He continues: ‘It’s not just about LED lighting or MPS-GAP certification. It’s about the bigger picture. I understand that FleuraMetz stimulates its growers in getting the right certifications. It’s very important as you need a common measuring tool for the industry. However, the world keeps moving on, the demand from retail and consumers for a smaller footprint is just as big. With that in mind, MPS-GAP is already outdated.’

That is why his company is working very hard in becoming Planet Proof. ‘If we operate at least a year according to the standards of ‘On the way to Planet Proof’, we will automatically be promoted to Planet Proof. We will be one of the first to obtain this title and hopefully pave the path for others in the industry to follow. Ignoring the signs won’t bring you anywhere. The world is changing and the floriculture industry must follow suit.’