The theme of the 32nd edition of nursery stock trade fair GrootGroenPlus, which will be held on 5 – 7 October in Zundert, is ‘Grounded’. This theme suits the industry and trade fair in numerous ways.
The important advantages that the horticulture industry has to offer are increasing, for example when it comes to greening, climate issues, and also financially. That is why it is essential that the tree nursery industry is grounded. That the industry works from a steady foundation, its own power, and a solid base.
That starts with the soil. The soil, the ground, is the basis for everything: a living soil, a rich soil, a healthy soil. It is the basis of our cultivation. Limitations on for example crop protection and the use of water and land can really put that basis to the test. However, thanks to solid grounding, the industry always knows how to navigate this.
Ground and grounding are also very important to the nursery products. A plant can only grow in healthy soil, consisting of a quality that supports the growth of crops. If one continues to find out which raw materials can be used in a mixture, and if its influence on the quality of the plants is continuously researched. This can apply to for example example potting soil, (organic) fertilizers, and plant invigorators. They can all contribute to the steady foundation. Of the plant, but also of the industry.
Not just the crops are well-grounded; that statement also applies to the growers in multiple regions. Many of them have been growing their crops on one location for generations. They are attached to their soil, they know how to get the most out of it, and in order to do that, they use both traditional techniques and the latest developments. They choose soil-bound cultivations for a reason.
Trade fair participants are challenged to show their soil, and to check the differences, the advantages, and the disadvantages. This will include a competition: ‘Good Soil’. Visitors will find a laboratory unit alongside the walking routes, which is part of this competition. Participants can submit soil to show why their products bloom best in a specific type of soil. Of course, this does not only lead to interesting insights and sharing knowledge, but also to additional PR attention for all green and non-green participants.
