The Dutch town of Naaldwijk is where it’s happening! The World Horti Center is home to the ∑-Grow Pavilion: a collaboration between top companies in indoor farming. Visitors can learn all about the latest innovations and developments, while pioneering companies, government agencies, and institutions work hard to boost indoor farming technology. Growing healthy fruit and vegetables in a way that is sustainable and futureproof lies at the heart of this ‘theme square’. A fantastic experience for visitors, and a space where companies are encouraged to reflect and act. Because we can only make a difference and improve food security, our health, and the sustainability of the food system if we do so together.
The partnerships that you will see at the ∑-Grow Pavilion might surprise you, but they actually make perfect sense. Companies find common ground on the objectives they share. Take Modiform and Jiffy, for example: both companies serve professional growers. Modiform develops and manufactures trays and pots, while Jiffy’s range includes pots, pellets, coconut products, substrates, and plugs. The two companies are committed to sustainability and quality, and both know that sharing knowledge makes the sector more sustainable. It therefore makes sense for Jiffy and Modiform to show visitors what they are collaborating on at a shared stand.
Chantal Oostvogels, Global Communication and Marketing Manager at Jiffy explains, ‘When we look at the emerging developments in the world today, we should not see each other as competitors. Instead, we need to work together to produce the best solutions. We have a clear sustainability strategy, this way we have a focus on where we want to be in 2025. This strategy focuses on four pillars: reducing single use of fossil plastics and polymers, reducing our footprint, being part of the circular economy, and increasing the proportion of sustainable raw materials.’ Modiform believes in this too. In fact, under its Horizon2025 ambition, for example, the market leader is specifically working on its ambition to make the entire horticultural industry sustainable and kick out virgin plastic by 2025. John van de Maarel, Sales Director at Modiform, adds, ‘Only by working structurally with all the companies and partners in our supply chain can we take sustainable steps to making horticulture fit for the future. An open-minded approach in which we add value. We create sustainable opportunities and turn them into better solutions for everyone. We dare to take a stance and call on everyone to make real changes to the industry together. The beautiful WHC and ∑-Grow Pavilion are the perfect place to work together to create sustainable solutions.’