- English
The Dutch greenhouse horticulture sector never stands still, and is currently evolving rapidly. However, global developments do affect the entire process. “Due to the scarcity of available locations, drawn-out licencing processes, rising energy prices, the difficulty in sourcing raw materials and their high prices, we’ve noticed that currently there’s a lot of interest in renovating, converting and expanding existing screen systems,” says Peter Rense of Holland Scherming. “That’s because an existing greenhouse can easily be adapted to meet new requirements and wishes, and can also be delivered quickly.” One example of a recent renovation and conversion project is at Ansu in The Netherlands, a company that specialises in one of the rarest orchids in the world. Ansu is part of a unique cooperation in which breeding and propagation are carried out under ideal conditions in Thailand, while production and sales are centred in the Netherlands. “At the moment, Ansu is converting a tomato greenhouse into an orchid greenhouse,” says Peter. “Holland Scherming is installing the screens in this project. The tomato greenhouse has been completely renovated inside, and we’re currently installing a second screen. A lot has been changed. The existing screen was completely renovated, the sections modified, and the paths changed. Existing components and materials are being reused as much as possible.” The result will soon be a greenhouse that meets all modern requirements, and is much quicker and cheaper to build than a new one. “Renovation and conversion is therefore an attractive option,” concludes Peter.
