Route- en Kansenkaart Chemievrije Sierteelt Onder Glas

Summary

The greenhouse horticulture sector has the desire and realizes the need to become more sustainable, due to pressure from customers and society who demand stricter sustainability standards with respect to pesticide use. In addition the sector is concerned about the decreasing availability of pesticides. The transition to chemical-free cultivation is essential to achieve environmental and sustainability goals and to make the sector future-proof. Commissioned by Topsector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen, a so-called Route and Opportunity Map for floriculture is developed in collaboration with stakeholders to support this transition. Interviews with 22 stakeholders and a subsequent workshop revealed that the term “chemical-free cultivation” is broadly interpreted, but the transition is considered feasible. This requires (further) development of technological innovations, innovations in the field of biology, and an integrated system approach, along with financial support, knowledge sharing, market acceptance, and clear regulations. While the transition to chemical-free cultivation is challenging, the sector can become sustainable and future-proof through a programmatic approach with a clear vision, targeted innovations, and broad collaboration.