Cees Veerman, Holland’s Minister of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality this week presented tomato-grower Themato CV with an award that recognises socially responsible business practice, during the 3rd Dutch Sustainability Congress, held in Bussum.
Themato CV is the first company in the Netherlands to cultivate plum tomatoes under glass using an ultra energy-efficient method. The tomatoes are grown in a closed greenhouse system, which uses considerably less energy and raw materials than other systems and therefore contributes to sustainable horticulture.
Keeping the roof closed all year round creates an integrated climate and energy system where the grower has maximum control over growth influencing factors such as humidity, temperature and carbon dioxide. The closed greenhouse also acts an energy source and can generate 40 per cent of sustainable energy - mainly from solar power during the summer months. In addition, this system reduces the use of crop protection agents by an average of 80 per cent, according to The Greenery. And better management of growth factors can lead to increased production of some 20 per cent. Themato CV's closed greenhouse, owned by growers Theo and Tom Ammerlaan and Martin Duindam, covers around 1.4 ha.
“The Dutch horticultural sector is still way ahead of the rest concerning innovative thinking,” said a Greenery statement, “Producing higher yields on fewer metres squared but using sustainable methods with reduced environmental impact”.
Themato CV has developed a communication plan to share its knowledge and experiences of this system with fellow growers and other interested parties. A virtual trip around the greenhouse can be made via webcast.
In 2002 Themato CV was voted The Greenery Grower of the Year for its innovative and customer-oriented approach.
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