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Van Gog Kwekerijen - Innovation in Lighting and Sustainability

Van Gog Kwekerijen, located in various places in the south of the Netherlands, specializes in the cultivation of top-quality cucumbers. The company, with approximately 36 hectares of glasshouses, is led by Marion van Gog, who is also a co-shareholder of Wittenberg Gemüse in Germany, one of the larger greenhouses in Germany with 41 hectares.

With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and a dedicated approach to the cultivation process, Van Gog Kwekerijen aims for an optimal balance between people, environment, and product. This approach results not only in tasty and healthy products but also in a minimal ecological footprint and a pleasant working atmosphere.

Sustainability and Quality

In the greenhouses of Van Gog Kwekerijen, located in Asten, Helmond, and Horst, cucumbers are grown on a perlite substrate. This natural material ensures an ideal water-air ratio, promoting the root development of the plants. Daily control of plant growth and quality, along with the use of biological crop protection and beneficial insects, ensures healthy cultivation and optimal harvest.

The automated packaging lines at Van Gog Kwekerijen ensure that cucumbers are processed quickly and efficiently, precisely according to customer wishes. The company strives for zero waste; cucumbers that do not meet the high standards of supermarkets are used in salads, juices, smoothies, and even cosmetics.

Innovation in Lighting

One of the most innovative steps Van Gog Kwekerijen has taken is the introduction of LED lighting in some of their greenhouses. Since 2020, the company has been using a hybrid lighting system that combines LED lamps and traditional SON-T lamps. This combination offers several advantages. LED lamps have a higher light output per kilowatt-hour and are more energy-efficient, while SON-T lamps generate extra heat necessary for the activation of the plant's growth point.

Additionally, LED lamps are better suited to being turned on and off quickly. Which makes it possible to flexibly adjust the lighting to the needs of the plants but also the power grid. By using LED lamps to capture energy peaks, Van Gog Kwekerijen contributes to a more stable power grid.

Collaboration and Success

A successful example of Van Gog's innovative approach is the realization of a 5-hectare LED/hybrid greenhouse in Helmond. Thanks to the good cooperation between various parties, including the regular house installer Cogas Climate Control and Luiten Greenhouses B.V., this project was successfully completed within a limited time frame and despite the challenges of the corona pandemic.

The new lighting installation, a combination of 50% LED lamps and 50% SON-T lamps, ensures constant and efficient cucumber growth. The installation of a light reduction system prevents light from radiating outside, contributing to more sustainable energy use.

Van Gog Continues to Pioneer

Van Gog Kwekerijen continues to pioneer in the horticultural sector by embracing innovative technologies and integrating sustainable practices. The focus on LED lighting, biological crop protection, the pursuit of zero waste, and efficient packaging methods show that the company is committed to a sustainable future. With their involvement in the cultivation process and care for employees and the environment, Van Gog Kwekerijen remains an example of how modern horticulture can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.