In the field of research and sampling, major changes have occurred in recent years. The Commodity Boards that financed much of the research have been discontinued and labs are consolidated. This requires a response.
Growers and business houses bring in laboratories to find out how high certain values are. A lab analyses a sample, writes a report and then sends it to the client. And only then will it actually start, because that’s when the question arises: Why is this score so high or low? And how can I translate this into practice? These are logical thoughts.
Groen Agro Control in Delfgauw is geared to these kinds of questions. Bert van Tol, manager and owner, says: “We see these recommendations as a service to our measurements. That’s why we have consultants in our employ on the one hand. On the other, our lab technicians also explain the measurements. Both are experts.” Furthermore, he says that Groen Agro Control’s work is 90 per cent about production, quality and food safety for the customers. In this case, production means achieving a maximum production with the help of the least amount of additives. Price is also looked at for this. The trick, and condition, is that quality has to be maintained. Food safety concerns pesticides and micro-organisms on the products.
Keeping these focus points in mind, they look at which areas can be improved. A few examples:
- The optimum amount of fertiliser is recommended to cultivation companies, and how certain measures against pests should be taken;
- Business houses are advised about monitoring MRLs.
They are taught how to communicate with their producers about pesticides. Because of this, the gap between these two parties is bridged. This is especially important for business houses that receive their products from abroad. After all, each country has its own legislation.
In addition to individual counselling, courses are organised by Groen Agro Control. By now, a large number of participants have partaken in the ‘Masterclass Residues’ course. This course was initially started for quality officials of the business houses. In practice, that isn’t the case, though. Growers also follow the course, because they see the importance of it. By now, courses of Microbiology, Fertilising and Hygiene for seed production have also been started.
In the fruit and vegetable sector, these items have naturally been the order of the day for a while already. It is remarkable that this topic asks for, and deserves, more attention in the ornamental plant cultivation sector. And Groen Agro Control has noticed that.
For more information:
Groen Agro Control
tel +31 (0)15 257 25 11
www.agrocontrol.nl
info@agrocontrol.nl
Ines van Marrewijk - greenhouse horticulture
i.vanmarrewijk@agrocontrol.nl
Michel Witmer - trade and food
m.witmer@agrocontrol.nl
Han van der Put - international
h.vanderput@agrocontrol.nl
Joke de Geus - outdoor cultivation
j.degeus@agrocontrol.nl
André van der Wurff -projects
a.vanderwurff@agrocontrol.nl