As of September 1st, Vivien Zweekhorst has taken up the role of Network Coordinator at Glastuinbouw Nederland, a position that will see her leading knowledge-sharing initiatives and collaborating with growers across various crop sectors. Vivien, who has built an impressive career in horticulture, is set to focus on innovation in key areas such as plant health and energy efficiency. Her appointment marks a strategic move to enhance collaboration and technological development within the Dutch horticultural sector.
A Journey Rooted in Horticulture
Vivien’s journey in the horticultural sector began serendipitously during her internship at Bloemenbureau Holland, where she quickly discovered her passion for the industry. Over the next 13 years, she worked at Bloemenbureau Holland in various roles, including as a project leader for product-specific promotions. Notably, she contributed to the collective promotion of orchids, an area where she would later continue her work with two orchid growers.
Her experience in marketing and communication, combined with her deep understanding of the horticulture industry, gives her a unique perspective in her new role at Glastuinbouw Nederland. As Network Coordinator, Vivien will shift her focus from marketing to innovation, particularly in areas that are critical to the future of greenhouse farming: plant health and energy management.
Advancing Knowledge and Innovation in Horticulture
In her new position, Vivien will be responsible for facilitating knowledge development and exchange among different crop groups within Glastuinbouw Nederland. The organization represents greenhouse growers across the Netherlands and plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and innovation in horticulture. By bringing together growers, researchers, and industry experts, Glastuinbouw Nederland fosters collaboration that drives the adoption of new technologies and practices in greenhouse farming.
Vivien’s focus on plant health and energy efficiency aligns with some of the most pressing challenges facing the horticulture industry today. Greenhouse farming in the Netherlands is a highly intensive operation, with a need for constant innovation to maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact. According to the latest industry data, the Dutch greenhouse sector accounts for more than 50% of the total agricultural value in the Netherlands, but it also faces rising energy costs and increasing regulatory pressures related to sustainability.
By coordinating knowledge-sharing initiatives, Vivien aims to help growers adopt new technologies that improve plant health, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and enhance energy efficiency. This includes the exploration of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, biological control methods, and renewable energy solutions for greenhouse heating and lighting.
Energy Efficiency: A Growing Concern
Energy efficiency is a critical area of focus for the Dutch greenhouse industry. With energy costs accounting for approximately 25% of greenhouse production costs, innovations in energy use have the potential to significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of greenhouse operations. Glastuinbouw Nederland has been working to help growers reduce their carbon footprint by promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal heating and solar power.
Vivien’s role will involve facilitating knowledge transfer on energy-saving technologies and practices, ensuring that growers are equipped with the latest information on sustainable energy solutions. This is particularly important as the Dutch government continues to implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, in line with its national climate goals.
Collaboration with Growers: A Hands-On Approach
One of Vivien’s key responsibilities as Network Coordinator will be to work closely with grower groups to foster innovation. Her passion for collaborating with entrepreneurs and innovators is evident in her previous roles, and she sees this as a core aspect of her new position. “Working with growers to advance innovation in areas like plant health and energy is where my heart truly lies,” says Vivien. “It’s a different challenge from marketing communication, but it’s one I’m excited to take on.”
By expanding her network and engaging directly with growers, Vivien aims to create an environment where new ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled. This approach is essential for ensuring that the latest innovations in plant health and energy efficiency are not only developed but also successfully implemented on a broad scale.
Vivien Zweekhorst’s appointment as Network Coordinator at Glastuinbouw Nederland marks a significant step forward for the organization and the Dutch horticultural sector as a whole. Her background in both marketing and horticultural innovation positions her uniquely to lead initiatives that will drive the industry towards more sustainable practices. By focusing on plant health, energy efficiency, and fostering collaboration among growers, Vivien is set to make a lasting impact on the future of greenhouse farming in the Netherlands.
