Koppert’s Post

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 🌱 On Wednesday afternoon, December 4, we officially opened our seventh theme square, Power of Plants. 🥳 When horticulture is promoted, the focus is often on glass and steel; entrepreneurs and suppliers proudly showcase the (mechanical) technologies they have developed or offer. This approach is understandable when the emphasis is on mass production (as many kilos per square meter as possible), but it no longer aligns with Today's vision. That's why this square puts the plant at the center, because a 'happy plant' delivers better results. 💪 During the opening several interesting presentations were on the agenda. Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center, kicked off the afternoon with a welcoming speech. This was followed by a presentation from Jim Koop, Creative Manager at World Horti Center, who shared more about the story behind and the development of the theme square. 🤓 Lecturer Roel van Heijningen and student Larissa from MBO Westland also took the floor to talk about the use of data and technology in cultivation. 🪴 Ermi van Oers from Nova Innova gave an inspiring presentation on energy generated by plants. This energy is released through a process in the soil, captured by a biological battery, and can power special lights. The ‘Park of Tomorrow’ project in Rotterdam uses this technology, making it the first park in the world to be illuminated by energy generated by plants. 🌳💡 After these engaging presentations, the final plants were planted in the indoor forest by the six participants of the theme square: Jort Schalke from RED Horticulture, Roos Buijsrogge from Koppert, Juan Ignacio Migliora from Van Iperen International, Kristina Arutyunyan from Skytree, Kim Helderman from LetsGrow.com and Victor Vijfvinkel from Hoogendoorn Growth Management. 😁 They were joined by Larissa a student from MBO Westland, Ermi van Oers from Nova Innova and Jim Koop and Puck van Holsteijn from World Horti Center. They all got to work with gloves on and planted several beautiful green plants with a trowel. With this act the theme square was officially opened. 🎊 Thanks to everyone for making this a remarkable and energetic opening! 🙌