The province of South Holland is providing an additional €400,000 subsidy for the Regiocertification project in the Dune and Bulb region. This project helps bulb growers work together more sustainably, for example by reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The goal is a future-proof horticultural sector, with attention to nature, water quality, and good employment practices.
After a successful pilot with spring bloomers, the project is now continuing. Bulb grower Simon Pennings, chairman of the Royal General Association for Bulb Culture in the Bulb Region, received the check from deputy Arne Weverling.
Learning and Improving Together
Within Regiocertification, growers share information about yields and the use of crop protection agents. By comparing this data, they can learn from each other and take steps towards more sustainable cultivation. The focus is now on improving water quality and biodiversity, but will later expand to topics such as energy consumption and working conditions.
The province considers this a valuable initiative. “We face major challenges, such as improving water quality,” says deputy Arne Weverling. “It is great that entrepreneurs are taking the initiative themselves by focusing on sustainability and better water quality through projects like Regiocertification. The initial results are promising and show that this project can truly contribute to achieving European water quality goals. As far as I am concerned, this project absolutely deserves more participants!”
Looking Ahead to 2050
Deputy Meindert Stolk also sees many opportunities in this project: “The Greenports are the economic engines of our region and at the same time the nursery of sustainable innovation. Projects like Regiocertification prove that collaboration pays off – not only for individual entrepreneurs but for the entire area. By investing together with the horticultural sector in a future-proof agriculture, we strengthen both the sector and the region. We invite entrepreneurs to help us set the course for 2050 – with courage, vision, and collaboration as our compass.”