From parasitic wasps to clean substrates: How food safety is monitored in the greenhouse

We live in interesting times. In our sector, greenhouse horticulture, we work with living crops. That’s why hygiene and producing food safely in a greenhouse is an absolute priority. A clean, predictable and controllable environment is an important aspect in this process. Unique to the high-tech greenhouse is that a natural process of growth can be controlled and optimized. That is not only highly valuable to food safety, but also for the environment. Because in comparison to soil cultivation, a high-tech greenhouse can produce more food with less water, fertilizer and land.

When it comes to food safety, the high-tech greenhouse is protected from plagues, bacteria and viruses by the use of biological, not chemical, pesticides. “The cleaner we produce fruit and vegetables, the cleaner the soil, and the ground and surface water surrounding the greenhouses,” states Sander van Golberdinge, Public Affairs Manager at Grodan.

For example, parasitic wasps are used to counter aphids. How great is that?! In addition, in the Netherlands the purification of water is mandatory since 2018, ensuring that no contaminated water can be discharged outside of the greenhouses. A good development.

With our own products, the stonewool substrates, we also contribute to safer food. Sander: “We develop hygienic, clean and natural substrates, free from germs, weed seeds and disinfectant residues. Because the roots of the crops can grow in these clean substrates, there is less need for fertilizers. We also advise growers to collect and purify all surplus water for reuse, because this can be recycled for a 100%.” In addition, it is very likely that in the future growers will be able to closely monitor the growth of their crops using imaging technology within the substrates, so that they can trace which crops are not growing optimally. "This gives growers a clean start and stimulates the production of clean and safe fresh fruits and vegetables," says Sander.

We can’t do all of this alone. Our Research & Development team works closely with other players in the horticulture sector, image technology experts and Wageningen University and Research to conduct research into even safer and more sustainable production methods. The aim is to create the most natural cultivation methods, while ensuring that crops can grow in clean and safe soil.

Want to know more about our vision on safe and sustainable food from greenhouses? Read Sander van Golberdinge's Gro-Pinion.