GreenTech will be held this year at the Amsterdam RAI convention centre between 11 and 13 June. This premier trade exhibition will celebrate horticulture’s thriving tech scene under one roof. According to Mariska Dreschler, Director of Horticulture at RAI, GreenTech looks forward to what she calls a ‘not-to-miss event for growers, investors and policymakers worldwide’.
Globally recognised AIPH-approved D Category Tradeshow 2024, GreenTech starts this week. More than 560 leading international companies, all esteemed experts in vegetable and flower production technologies, are poised to showcase their innovations to an eagerly anticipated audience of over 12,000 green professionals from around the world.
In our May issue of FloraCulture International, we interviewed Mariska Dreschler.
FCI: What are some of the most exciting developments or innovations that attendees can look forward to at GreenTech Amsterdam 2024?
Mariska Dreschler: “We have more entries for the GreenTech Innovation Awards this year. These differ in variety, but we see a lot of new insights on AI, robotics, water treatment, Integrated Pest Management and crop resilience. There’s a growing awareness of the importance of the ‘soft skills’ that we need to develop as a sector. There is so much technology already there. It is important to know how to apply this by training the people and giving them the power to accelerate. Also, we need to look for people from different backgrounds and disciplines who can work in our sector in another way. There is so much potential unexplored. It is also important to take that into account, as well as the amazing (new) technologies. The 2024 Greentech show will also focus on Life Cycle Analysis, demonstrating what measures the industry can take to lower its footprint.”
What can you tell us about the efforts involved in attracting high-quality exhibitors?
“We connect market leaders and innovators, both on the growers’ and suppliers’ sides worldwide. We look at new developments, including cross-over industries, e.g. Energy, Automotive, Logistics and overall circular developments (CSR). Local production is on the rise and drives new visitors like investors and governments to our sector and, therefore, GreenTech.”
You mention a pavilion dedicated to AI & Robotics. What can visitors expect?
“Robotics in horticulture are very welcome in our sector. We should look at labour shortages and minimise the risks of viruses due to (too many) human beings in the greenhouse. So, all of this new ‘help’ is being looked at. For now, we highlight on the pavilion a post-harvest plant grading and replugging machine, a leaf-cutting robot and a harvesting robot.”
What are some of the potential barriers or challenges in adopting AI and robotics in agriculture?
“Looking at AI is about how to determine the right data, standardisation, and interpretation. It is about determining your objectives and available investment resources. Privacy, ethics, efficiency, and quality of data use. With robotics, the high investment and efficiency are quite a challenge. So, there is a lot to think about and discuss. All that is on stage at GreenTech.”
How might these technologies continue to revolutionise the industry?
“Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities are, in my opinion, the new ‘TESLA’ for production. You can position them everywhere around the world, from cold regions to hot ones. There is more need for local production worldwide. Robotics and AI are crucial to meet this demand under present conditions involving the lack of (natural) resources like water, energy, and labour.”
Can you tell us more about the international participation?
“The Dutch horticulture sector is a very much appreciated and strong ecosystem. If you want to produce flowers or vegetables, it is important to tap into this great knowledge, find the right partners, and co-create to implement CEA in the appointed region. The number of country delegations that we expect for this edition is overwhelming. These delegations are supported by the Topsector Horticulture & Starting Materials, AVAG Greenhouse Technology Center, Dutch Greenhouse Delta and World Horti Center.”
How has approval from AIPH helped attract international participation and recognition?
“AIPH is a very strong brand in flower production all over the world. With the approval and by sharing our newest insights as organisations, we can sharpen the concept of GreenTech for the ornamental industry. AIPH is the leading organisation for all associations in the ornamental industry and, therefore, connects us with their influential members. By providing the right topics, we are able to attract these members to our event.”
What important role do the country pavilions play in GreenTech, and how do they represent global advancements in horticulture?
“Every region/nation has its specific USPs and companies that inspire international horticulture professionals. Country pavilions are a pleasant and strong way to highlight certain strengths in collective participation. They promote local business on the one hand and try to attract foreign business on the other.”
Regarding the prestigious GreenTech Innovation & Concept Awards, what is the jury’s judging focus, in particular, on addressing challenges such as labour shortages, repetitive tasks, and sustainability, or is it just the ‘wow factor that’s a cool solution’?
“No, certainly not only the wow factor. For the winner in the category Innovation, the jury looks at the most unique and advanced technological innovation that is easy to implement and has an impact on sustainability in the horticulture industry. For the category Concept, the innovation that has the most potential to have a successful market introduction within two years.”
Can you elaborate on the types of discussions and insights attendees can expect at each of these stages?
“With the three stages, we would like to offer visitors a variety of topics on a strategic/long-term level and on the level of very practical insights. Together with the knowledge sessions committees, we choose the most actual challenges and include them in the programme. Together with exhibitors, universities and other stakeholders, solutions (best practices, innovations) are gained and presented to the public. There are great sessions this year!”
GreenTech highlights:
Here are some examples, but there are 80+ panel sessions in total.
- Tuesday 11 June, 14.30 – 15.15:
‘The road to zero footprint greenhouse’
moderated by Sandra Uitenbroek-van Schie (Greenhouse Sustainability) and speakers: Sibbe Krol (Bloom & Wild), Athanasios Sapounas (TNO) and Alexander Boedijn (Wageningen, University & Research)
- Wednesday 12 June, 12.00 – 12.45:
‘T&U Future Vision: A Climate Neutral Horticulture’
moderated by Harrij Schmeitz (Impact T&U) - Wednesday 12 June, 10.15 – 11.00:
‘Robotics: Futuristic dream or your next investment?’
moderated by Jack Verhoosel (TNO) and Erik Pekkeriet (Wageningen, University & Research) - Wednesday 12 June, 12.00 – 12.45:
‘The Battle Between Solar Panels and Plants: Yield or Watts?’
moderated by Egon Janssen (TNO), Bas Oudshoorn (Delphy), Gert Jan Swinkels (Wageningen, University & Research) and Nicolas Weber (Voltiris) - Thursday 13 June, 10.15-11.00
‘Sustainable Growing Requires a Sustainable Substrate’
moderated by Tim Briercliffe (AIPH), Gracie Barrett (Farplant Group), Van Nguyen (WUR), Nedeljko Basic (Kekkilä BVB)
For more information, visit www.greentech.nl
