In a major development for the greenhouse industry, three leading companies—Harmoniz Seeds, HortiTech, and Metazet—have come together to open a new research and development center in Honselersdijk, South Holland. This facility, aptly named Proof, is designed to accelerate the development and implementation of sustainable technologies in greenhouse farming. By focusing on research, experimentation, and knowledge sharing, the center aims to support the global push for innovation and sustainability in horticulture.
A Collaborative Effort for Greenhouse Innovation
Proof represents the combined expertise of three industry leaders: Harmoniz Seeds, a specialist in plant breeding; HortiTech, a company focused on agricultural innovation; and Metazet, a developer of cultivation systems. Together, these firms are leveraging their collective experience to create a space where cutting-edge ideas can be tested and refined in a real-world setting.
The facility features 21 greenhouse units, ranging from 150 to 1,200 square meters, allowing for a wide variety of projects to run simultaneously. This flexibility enables researchers and innovators to test different technologies and growing methods across a variety of scales, from small trials to larger, more commercial-scale experiments. The center is also outfitted with sustainable infrastructure, including 400 solar panels and a dedicated Ocap-CO2 connection, which supports energy-efficient operations while reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.
Focus on Sustainability and Practical Application
The primary goal of Proof is to bring together innovation, sustainability, and practicality in one environment. Greenhouse farming, known for its high productivity and resource efficiency, is increasingly adopting new technologies to address the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for more sustainable food production.
According to global data, the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, which includes greenhouse cultivation, is expected to grow by nearly 10% annually through 2026. As demand for food increases and environmental pressures intensify, the role of sustainable greenhouse farming is becoming more critical than ever. Proof aims to fast-track innovations like automation, precision irrigation, and renewable energy integration, ensuring these advancements make their way into commercial greenhouses faster.
An Environment for Experimentation and Knowledge Sharing
In addition to supporting innovation, Proof is designed to be a hub for knowledge exchange. By opening its doors to startups, established companies, and other innovators, the center creates a collaborative ecosystem where ideas can be shared and refined. This approach fosters a culture of open innovation, where competitors can learn from each other while working toward a common goal: the advancement of sustainable horticulture.
Projects at Proof are expected to cover a range of topics, from optimizing plant breeding techniques and improving crop yields to developing more energy-efficient greenhouse systems. The center’s research into sustainable practices, such as reducing water usage through precision irrigation and minimizing energy consumption with solar power, directly aligns with the broader industry’s goals of reducing environmental impact while increasing productivity.
A Vision for the Future of Horticulture
Luke van Adrichem, CEO of Metazet, emphasized the importance of collaboration in accelerating innovation. “By pooling our strengths, we create an environment where innovation, sustainability, and practical applications come together,” he said. “The three companies work independently but come together within Proof to share a research location, which allows us to bring innovations to market faster.”
As greenhouse farming continues to grow in importance worldwide, facilities like Proof will play a crucial role in ensuring the industry can meet global food demands while minimizing its environmental impact. The center’s commitment to sustainability and practical innovation positions it as a vital player in the future of greenhouse agriculture, not only in the Netherlands but on a global scale.
The opening of the Proof R&D center marks a pivotal moment for the greenhouse industry. By combining the expertise of leading companies and focusing on sustainable, real-world applications, Proof offers a model for how innovation can drive the future of agriculture. As the industry faces mounting environmental and productivity challenges, this collaborative approach promises to deliver solutions that are both practical and transformative.
