Partners for Perfect Solutions. Connecting horticultural networks of the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia

Transcription

1 Partners for Perfect Solutions Connecting horticultural networks of the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia

2 Index of Green Farming participants in this book Advisor ICT Solutions 62 AVAG 54 Celtic Cooling 63 C & J Bosman 30 DLV Plant 42 FloraHolland 64 Frigo Breda 65 Genap 31 Green Products 43 Grodan 44 Hatenboer-Water 32 Hoogendoorn Growth Management 33 Horticoop 45 HortiMaX 55 JB Hydroponics 46 Koppert 47 LudvigSvensson 56 Oasis Floralife 66 PB Techniek 34 Ridder Drive Systems 49 Relab den Haan 35 Van der Knaap Group 48 Van Zaal 57 Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture 72 Water Management Crop Management Climate & Energy Post-harvest & Logistics Research & Knowledge exchange

3 Partners for Perfect Solutions Connecting horticultural networks of the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia

4 Colophon September 2012 Copyright All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system of any nature, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without de written permission of the publisher. No legal rights or claims can be derived from this publication. Editor Corianne Roza, Coordinator Helga van Marrewijk, Design MiNSK, Lithography & print Thoben Offset Nijmegen, Implementation Green Farming contact: Francis Hoogerwerf or Paula Bouwman T +31 (0) info@greenfarming.nl This book is presented to you by:

5 Table of contents Preface 5 Introduction 7 Interviews Richard Collins 23 Neville Ratemo 36 Tsegaye Abebe 37 Zelalem Messele Dutch horticulture 9 02 Kenian horticulture Ethiopian horticulture Green Farming programme Government-to-Government projects Water Management Crop Management Climate & Energy Post-harvest & Logistics Research & Knowledge exchange 69

6 The guiding principle behind Green Farming is equality. Members of Green Farming do not deliver knowledge, they share it. The Netherlands Kenya 4

7 Preface The past years have proven how successful co-operations between the horticulture sectors of Ethiopia, Kenya and the Netherlands can be. The combined knowledge of Green Farming members and East African partners has elevated production levels at several businesses in Ethiopia and Kenya to a new high, and sustainability has been enhanced. The end result is a higher and better quality return, and an efficient and sustainable use of the available resources. The guiding principle behind Green Farming is equality. Members of Green Farming do not deliver knowledge, they share it. Together, with their partners in East Africa, they aim to find solutions that best fit local conditions. Solutions that meet the demands of the market, are easy to use, durable and affordable. Entrepreneurs and organisations from Kenya and Ethiopia have the best knowledge about the local conditions, the climate differences in the various regions and at different altitudes, the economic and political developments and norms, and the infrastructure. Dutch entrepreneurs and organisations can add their knowledge on sustainable (growing) systems, greenhouses, post harvest technologies, logistics, and trade, environmentally friendly crop protection and the conditions that the international retailers set on sustainability and food safety. The entrepreneurs and organisations that are affiliated to Green Farming can be found worldwide. Using their practical experience and broad expertise they apply their knowledge and products worldwide to fit local circumstances. Ethiopia Green Farming combines the best of both worlds. Partners for perfect solutions. Harm Maters Chairman Green Farming 5

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9 Introduction Horticulture is of growing economic importance in Ethiopia and Kenya, and on the international market both African countries are playing a leading and influential role. Dutch horticulture has a long history and takes a firm leading position internationally. Dutch vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants, trees and bulbs travel all over the world. The same goes for their technology and knowledge. Dutch expertise, on amongst others breeding, growing systems, water management, climate control and chain logistics, provides practical solutions for local issues in horticultural regions worldwide. With this book we would like to show you what Green Farming, and the associated businesses and organisations, can mean for you. Companies and organisations from the horticulture sectors in Kenya, Ethiopia and The Netherlands work together more frequently than ever. Green Farming members will be happy to help you with exploring the opportunities for making use of expertise and technologies that have been developed in The Netherlands in your own business. You will gain easy access to Dutch organisations and businesses via Green Farming. The members are fully aware of the latest developments in global horticulture and in markets relevant to Kenya and Ethiopia. Furthermore they know the situation in both countries well. Green Farming members are fully equipped with the latest technologies and the best (scientific) knowledge for you. With this book we would like to show you what Green Farming, and the associated businesses and organisations, can mean for you. We would like to present the Green Farming programme, the members and their capacities. We will show you the advantages that partnering with Green Farming can bring to you. We present successful projects in Kenya and Ethiopia and opinions of East African entrepreneurs who have gained experience with Green Farming activities or have worked together with our members. Green Farming encompasses five themes: Water Management; Crop Management; Climate and Energy; Post-harvest and Logistics; and Research and Knowledge Exchange. This book thematically presents examples of projects and the related members. Most companies are active in more than one theme. You can refer to this book whenever you come across an issue in your company and you are looking for specific knowledge. You will have all the information about the Green Farming members and their contact details in one handy book. 7

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11 01 Dutch horticulture 9

12 01 Dutch horticulture The Dutch horticultural sector strives to be the world market leader in sustainable solutions for food supplies worldwide, such as food security, food safety, health and well-being. Investing in innovations The horticultural sector in the Netherlands consists of about 30,000 independent companies, growing and supplying green products. It has developed into a well organised sector over about 100 years. Many businesses active in horticulture are established in Greenport regions where local government and businesses focus on intensive horticultural activities. The businesses are supported by Dutch national government and local authorities, knowledge institutes, banks and suppliers, investments are made in innovations in the areas of: efficient use of energy, innovations in cogeneration of e.g. electricity, solar energy and of course wind energy. Also the reduction of CO 2 emissions is an important issue; watermanagement a life time issue, including re-use of water, cleaning and limitation of fertiliser usage; improved plant health; avoiding diseases and pests in a responsible way; healthy food and a healthy living environment; efficient, sustainable and economically profitable logistics chains for horticultural produce as consumer products and as green base-materials for non-food products such as cosmetics and fuel.

13 Corporate social responsibility combined with a focus on employees, environment and cost effectiveness and consistency are the conditions for all innovations in the Netherlands. Although each business is responsible for its own investments, the horticulture and plant breeding sectors have a joint innovation plan for the whole sector. Dealing with circumstances Sector innovations profit from the knowledge and experience that arise from the Dutch production conditions. The land is flat and fertile, with a mild climate. There is however limited room and large parts are below the sea level. This creates stringent demands on the quality of water, air and soil, and calls for a lot of knowledge on water management. Labour is scarce and expensive in comparison to Africa, energy is expensive and the sources are not endless. Therefore the level of automation in the Dutch horticulture is high, the solutions for sustainable energy are numerous and the sector focuses on products with an added value. Consumers demands are high. This leads to higher technology, controlled production and strict conditions in the area of food safety. Dutch horticulture facts and figures More than half of the Netherlands total land surface of 4.15 million hectares is used for farming. Almost 153,000 ha of this is horticultural production (two thirds food crops and one third ornamentals). About 10,000 ha are covered with greenhouses. Together with the USA and France, the Netherlands is one of the world s three leading producers of fruit and vegetables. It supplies a quarter of the vegetables that are exported from Europe. Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are the biggest greenhouse crops. The Netherlands accounts for 70% of EU trade and 60% of global trade in ornamental plant products, whilst its share for flower bulbs is more than 90%. The Dutch are also the world s largest exporters of seeds. Leading position The Netherlands has a world-leading position in greenhouse horticulture, with a focus on concepts and technologies that facilitate energy efficiency, water recycling and waste recycling and adaptability to climate change. The Netherlands is a leader in green genomics, which aims to achieve better yields, sustainable and safe production, resistance to diseases, or taste/design changes. Of the approximately 1,800 new plant varieties that enter the European market each year, 65% originate in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a leader in the development of propagation material, tissue culture, and the production and trade of seeds and young plants. With a 47% market share, the Netherlands is the largest exporter of plant propagation material in Europe, particularly for ornamental horticulture, potatoes, flower bulbs, grass, vegetable seeds and tissue culture. The Food Valley region, centred around the Dutch city of Wageningen, has a world-renowned research cluster in agrifood, life sciences, genomics, nutrition and health. Food Valley is the most authoritative agrifood and nutrition research centre in Europe, if not the world. Relations with Kenya and Ethiopia Until recently, horticultural trade relationships between the Netherlands and East Africa were largely made up by the exports of flowers from Ethiopia and Kenya to the Netherlands. By the end of 2011, the exported value of Kenyan flowers was estimated at 500 million, of which 66% was exported to the Netherlands. For Ethiopia this percentage was 84%, with an export value estimated at 146 million. The other way around, the Netherlands is an active exporter of horticultural technology to the East African horticulture sectors. The Dutch supplier s role in the East African market has always been relatively small. The expectation is that the higher technology level of Dutch equipment shall benefit the growing need to better manage cultivation and related processes. The increasing competition in the highly developed markets will set the bar high for Ethiopia and Kenya with respect to quality, social and environmental safety issues and the subsequent certification demands. This trend is expected to drive producers towards implementing better controllable systems. 11

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15 02 Kenyan horticulture 13

16 02 Kenyan horticulture Economic key sector The Kenyan government has identified the agricultural sector as one of the economic key sectors. The sector enjoys, amongst other things, favourable tax conditions. Importing horicultural equipment is dutyfree. Improved research facilities, educational facilities and opportunities, and transport possibilities form part of the plans the government has to facilitate agriculture. The government works together with the business sector and various NGOs, such as the World Bank. The Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute is building up a relevant horticultural knowledge base locally alongside importing knowledge from outside Kenya. In 2011 a Practical Training Centre with training units for flowers, fruits and vegetables was established by the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya together with Dutch partners. The Kenya Flower Council is actively working together with the Dutch government on a national mechanism for industry-wide compliance to the standards set for international market access. Ornamental plants The ornamental plant sector in Kenya has grown tremendously during the last decade and continues to expand gradually. The ornamental plant sector is stable, which is reinforced by the presence of applied industry, laboratories and growers organisations. 14 The flower sector is export-oriented (90% of the flowers are exported) and production is undertaken predominantly by large-scale multinational farms. The majority of flowers are grown in greenhouses. Kenya s export market for flowers has, since the global financial crisis of 2008, gone through some difficult years. The production and

17 The Kenyan government has identified the agricultural sector as one of the economic key sectors. The sector enjoys, amongst other things, favourable tax conditions. transport costs have risen strongly in recent years and yet, in terms of volume, the export of flowers from Kenya is still expanding. Vegetable sector Vegetable production in Kenya is mainly undertaken in the open field. The vegetable sector produces predominantly for the domestic market, with the remainder being exported; both in fresh and processed forms. The fruit and vegetable sector is well organised, particularly the export. Both local and international markets are expanding. The urban demand for quality fresh vegetables is increasing and the supermarket retail segment is under development. The expectation is that competition from Uganda and Tanzania in this increasing market will grow. A factor influencing the export of vegetables are the stringent conditions in place for the use of crop protection substances on vegetables. It is estimated that 20 to 40% of vegetable exports from Kenya are produced by smallholder farmers. Many of them experience difficulties in meeting the increasing demands of quality, traceability and uniformity in today s international export market. flower crops cultivated in Kenya are rose, carnation, arabicum and hypericum. In terms of income the horticultural export sector is a large contributor to foreign exchange. The sector contributes 36% to agriculture s GDP, accounts for 38% of national export earnings and is therefore a significant contributor to the economy. Horticulture, after tea, is the most valuable source of foreign currencies. Kenya is the lead exporter to the EU with a market share of over 35%. Approximately two thirds of the exported flowers are sold through the Dutch auctions, although direct sales are growing. In the United Kingdom, supermarkets are the main retail outlets. Over 25% of exported flowers are delivered directly to these multiples. It is estimated that the Kenyan horticultural sector employs, directly and indirectly, more than 6 million people on a total population of 43 million. Kenyan horticulture facts and figures In terms of volume, vegetable production is the main horticultural sector in Kenya. In 2011 the total area under horticultural production was 566,228 ha, of which 41% was covered with vegetable production, 31% with fruit production, and 0,5% with flower production. The main vegetable crops cultivated in Kenya are potato, sweet potato, kale, cabbage, tomato, garden pea, bulb onion and cow pea. The main 15

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19 03 Ethiopian horticulture 17

20 03 Ethiopian horticulture Massive economic contribution Agriculture is the foundation of the Ethiopian economy. It contributes about 46% to the country s GDP and employs over 80% of the 83 million population. The horticultural sector of Ethiopia is a rather young sector. In 2000 the country had virtually no horticultural export product production but it is developing rapidly. From 2000 onwards, Ethiopian and foreign parties (about half the greenhouses are owned by Dutch, Indian, Israeli and German entrepreneurs) started investing in the floriculture sector. During the last seven years, Ethiopia has developed into Africa s second largest exporter of cut flowers, and the third biggest supplier to the Dutch auctions worldwide. Roses, cuttings and summer flowers are the most important ornamentals. The varying Ethiopian climate is suitable for almost all kinds of vegetables. Throughout the largest part of the country, smallholding farmers are active in vegetable production for domestic consumption. During the last two to three years Ethiopia has developed several thousands of hectares for fruit and vegetable production to the export level. Investors from Saudi Arabia and India lease over two million hectares which they plan to develop for agricultural purposes. These large expansions are a reaction to the increasing demand for vegetable products in the Middle East. Currently the prominent vegetable export products are green beans, tomato, capsicums, asparagus, peas, leeks and peppers. 18

21 The area of infrastructure has greatly improved over the last 5 to 10 years. Ethiopia now functions like any other country. The roads are good. Electricity works, and there is national telephone coverage. Zelalem Messele, Chairman of the EHPEA Export figures The majority of flowers are exported. In 2009 the export value was estimated to be US$138 million and is projected to have risen to US$214 million in For Ethiopia an increase in the exported flower volume and market value has been the trend. The main markets are the Netherlands (84%) and Germany (8%). The export of vegetables is still in its infancy and is anticipated to have reached about US$60 million in The strategic location of Ethiopia, within easy reach of the Horn s major ports, connects it with the Middle East and Europe, which are Ethiopia s main markets for vegetable export. Sustainability Since 2009, over 50 of the Ethiopian rose producers have been active in the Code of Practice programme for certification on sustainable production. The Code of Practice has bronze, silver and gold standard levels, in which silver meets all demands of the Fair Flower Fair Plants label and gold meets the demands of Fair Trade certification. In December 2010 almost 80% of the 50 producers obtained the bronze level. Government stimulus The Ethiopian government has given the horticultural sector a high priority. For the period the Ethiopian government has developed an ambitious plan for the development and expansion of the Ethiopian agricultural sector, the Growth and Transformation Programme. The government has taken several measures to stimulate the development of the ornamental plant sector; such as making land available, devaluing its currency and exempting export products from taxes for a period of five years. The Ethiopian Horticultural Development Agency has been set up by the government to stimulate development in the sector. 19

22 04 The Green Farming Programme What is Green Farming? Green Farming is a Dutch programme that unites horticultural networks in the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia. This is achieved by setting up joint activities, projects and co-operations in the areas of research, development and production. Who is involved? The Green Farming consortium consists of about 25 leading Dutch companies in horticulture technology. Wageningen University and Research Centre supports the programme and is actively involved on the level of research and knowledge transfer. Green Farming is coordinated by AVAG, the representative of joint Dutch horticultural suppliers and DLV Plant, active as advisory company in the international agribusiness. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation supports the programme in close cooperation with the Dutch Embassies in Nairobi and Addis Ababa. How does Green Farming work? The two mainstays of the programme are: demonstration and knowledge exchange: via Green Farming participating companies can demonstrate which possibilities and advantages the products and services from the Netherlands can offer, when applied to the Kenyan and Ethiopian horticultural situation. Knowledge exchange also takes place through seminars, sector reviews and trade missions. 20

23 What I think of Green Farming? I ve met the people of Green Farming at a forum in March. We had a good discussion. It seems a co-operative partner. The concept is great. They re going for partnerships. They like to exchange ideas. They work with locals. It s a model of walking the walk together. This not only has the advantage that knowledge is applied locally, but that lots of businesses in the area can profit. Neville Ratemo, Director of Operations AAA Growers, Kenya sustainability and partnerships: Green Farming members aim to develop sustainable production systems in close cooperation with local partners, to optimize their products and services and adjust them to local requirements and conditions. These systems should be economically and environmentally sustainable, and meet CSR demands. What are the activities? Green Farming organizes a broad spectrum of activities, both on business-to-business and government-to-government levels. Activities are concentrated in the period between July 2010 and July Business-to-business projects: Demonstration projects: How Dutch technology and knowledge can support developments in Kenya and Ethiopia can best be shown in practice. Green Farming sets up various demonstration projects together with local businesses and knowledge institutions, to show which technologies, products, knowledge and services are available and how these can be applied to the local situation. The results in terms of production levels, efficiency of input use, production costs and revenues shall be shared with entrepreneurs, financers and other stakeholders in Kenya and Ethiopian via open days, professional journals and reports. Market studies and sector reviews: Green Farming researches the sector development needs locally and the possible fit of (adjusted) products and services from Dutch horticultural suppliers. Based on these results, trials are set up to develop best practices for East African practices. Exhibition visits and participation: With groups of Dutch, Kenyan and Ethiopian participants Green Farming visits internationally recognized exhibitions and trade fairs to gain greater insight and get into contact with various market parties. 21

24 Green Farming is an interesting and unique concept. It is bringing a lot of expertise under one banner. Whenever one of these companies comes across an issue where he lacks expertise, he can supply a company who does specialise in that area. A superb network. Richard Collins, CEO Kakuzi Trade missions: Green Farming organises trade missions for Kenyan, Ethiopian and Dutch parties, including growers, grower s associations and other interested parties. The objective is to learn from each other, to build a network and examine situations in practice. Each Green Farming trade mission consists of: Visiting businesses, research establishments and specific projects. Individual appointments with potential foreign business partners, governments and other relevant parties. Interactive sessions, whereby experts address developments that are relevant to the individual participants. Networking events such as exhibitions, receptions and project presentations. Seminars: Several (technical) seminars, mainly in Kenya and Ethiopia, are organized by small groups of Green Farming members who work together on addressing (technical) challenges that the sectors are facing. Government-to-government projects: On the government-to-government level the most important components are: Knowledge exchange and capacity building: via Green Farming staff at the Development Bank of Ethiopia is trained, for example, to teach their colleagues how to better advise the horticultural sector and to make the process of loan applications and support more efficient and more effective (See page 24). Bilateral cooperation: Dutch Customs, upon an initiative by amongst others Green Farming, assists the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) to develop into a modern Customs Administration in accordance with World Customs Organisation (WCO)-standards (See page 25). In the area of logistics projects are developed in relation to the supply and marketing chains in both Kenya and Ethiopia. In which areas is Green Farming active? All Green Farming activities are related to one or more of the five main themes of the programme. Dutch members of Green Farming and parties from Kenya and Ethiopia can jointly become active on the themes that fit their business profiles. The five main themes are: Water management Crop management Climate and energy Post-harvest and logistics Research and knowledge exchange In this program book all companies and model-projects are presented by theme. 22

25 Interview Richard Collins Kenya is ripe and thirsty for knowledge and technology. The present economic climate in Kenya is not very encouraging for investments in horticulture. Trade has been affected by the financial crisis, the Kenyan currency is strong and the cost of transport and electricity, amongst other things, are rising. The margins are pretty tight. Keeping the money in the bank almost gives a better return than growing vegetables or flowers. Smallholders share is shrinking The differences between good growers and less good growers will become evident. Growers who work efficiently and pay close attention to production criteria such as sustainability, succeed much better than those who pay less attention and have variable quality products. This is true for both flowers, vegetables and fruit. There are definitely smallholding farmers who have got their business well in order. There are also those who may be unaware that the chemicals used on their coffee could drift over to their beans. Exporters are becoming more choosy with whom they do business, as traceability is paramount. Smallholders can therefore lose volume to the commercial companies. It is far easier to make an agreement with say ten companies over sustainable production than a thousand. Lurking poverty is therefore a threat for some small farmers. To avoid this we should it is that we provide them with far more practical training in how you can grow sustainably. Awareness Most important is greater awareness of what is necessary to run a horticultural business well and how you can be more sustainable. With the whole sector and with the government. Kenya has for example a Pest Control Products Board, however they seemingly do not keep pace with new IPM procedures and options. There are so many good environmentally friendly alternatives replacing chemical protection substances, however these lack approval. The approval process fails completely to fit with what modern horticulture demands. Improve training and improve the awareness of quality. That is what we need now. This means, a lot of opportunities for suppliers as the Dutch. Kenyan horticulture is ripe and thirsty for knowledge and technology. Once growers are aware of the importance of good quality products, the demand for equipment follows automatically. Then they also want good starting material, and then they embrace the latest, more efficient, technologies and no longer fear P&D control. Richard Collins is CEO of Kakuzi Ltd in Thika, Kenya, produces and exports, amongst other things, avocados, pineapples and Macedonian nuts. 23

26 05 Government-to- Government projects In addition to the Business-to-Business (B2B) activities in the Green Farming programme, issues related to the enabling environment in the sectors of Ethiopia and Kenya can be addressed in Government-to- Government (G2G) projects. In these projects government organizations can exchange experience and best practices in order to improve their services and build public private networks. These partnerships between government departments, educational institutions and financial institutions often deliver advantages in a single package to the complete (horticultural) business sector. Examples of Government-to-Government projects Enhancing financial competences In the period of February 2012 until December 2012 the Green Farming G2G project Improving competencies of the staff of the Development Bank of Ethiopia is being implemented in Ethiopia by Green Farming member Rabobank International. During the past eight years the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) financed a large share of the new flower companies. DBE offers loans with favourable conditions, certainly when seen against the high inflation percentage in Ethiopia. Staff undergoes education in advising the horticulture sector on loans and in processing loan request and loans more efficiently and effective. Result Rabobank International has developed a plan for the new methods of supporting professional loans to the horticultural sector by the end of A number of DBE trainers has been trained and will in the future train all horticultural advisers at the Bank. Potentially this knowledge will be rolled out to other banks. Implementation Rabobank International has developed a plan with new methods to professionally support loans in horticulture. They educate DBE staff to be able to train their colleagues at DBE (train the trainer principal). 24

27 It takes about six months before one can secure a loan from a bank in Ethiopia. By improving the staff competencies at DBE bank the whole process can be accelerated. This means quicker investment. The whole development of horticulture benefits from this bank training. Peter Niekus, International Business Manager, Rabobank Supporting import and export regulations and procedures In a fast growing sector like Ethiopia s horticultural sector, the regulations and procedures regarding import of inputs from abroad and export of the produce need special attention. In 2012 a cooperation project started up between the Netherlands Customs Administration and the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA). The project focuses on assisting ERCA in its further development towards a modern Customs Administration in accordance with WCO standards. Part of the project is financed via Green Farming. Implementation After a Dutch Customs Administration team start-up mission, the Ethiopian counterpart, ERCA, identified a number of points on which they would like to realize improvements. Part of the cooperation project is related to the recently started Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. Customs declares a party to be trustworthy by extending an AEO certificate, whereby the trading in imports and exports for that party flows smoothly. 15 companies have already been issued certificates. The Dutch Customs Administration assists ERCA further in developing the programme, amongst which is auditing capacity (risk mapping of applicant companies), sharing information with other departments and streamlining and simplifying the procedures. Results The expected results at the end of the three year project include: ERCA conforms in work practices to all aspects of the AEO strategy of the WCO Safe Framework of Standards Several (Dutch) companies have undergone the quality accreditation process and have become AEOs Simplified procedures (in general) are extended and enhanced ERCA has further developed into an organisation that proactively facilitates international trade The fruit and vegetable export is still in its infancy. We have, together with the Dutch embassy, organised a meeting this summer for 300 people to look at how we can best promote our products. Tsegaye Abebe, owner of ET-Vegfru Supporting ECRA occurs through work visits by the Dutch Customs Administration civil servants to Ethiopia and various workshops. 25

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29 06 Water Management Irrigation Recirculation Water storage Water treatment Substrate cultivation As water availability and water management are currently the most stringent issues in the agricultural and horticultural sectors of East Africa, the Dutch supply industry sees a good opportunity in showing their expertise and technology in the area of water management. 27

30 The Netherlands has everything in the area of horticulture. You can get every pipe, each spray-head here. Anti-clogging material for the drip system I bring from the Netherlands. Horticoop is making headway in Ethiopia. Tsegaye Abebe, owner of Ethio Flora, ET-Highland Flora and Ethio Vegfru Example of a water management Water management in Kenyan horticulture At Van der Berg Roses in the Kenyan production region of Naivasha, the demonstration project Water management in Kenyan horticulture has been put into practice. The demonstration phase started in July The demonstration project is an initiative of Green Farming member C & J Bosman BV, in cooperation with Green Farming members Hoogendoorn Growth Management BV, Van der Knaap Groep, Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture, Genap BV, Hatenboer- Water BV and DLV Plant BV. Implementation All relevant technologies and services related to water management that are applicable to the East African cultivation conditions can be demonstrated at Van der Berg Roses. In the existing greenhouses 3 ha of roses are planted out on a cultivation system with coco-peat substrate. The project exists of a closed production system in which all inputs to the crop can be controlled and irrigation water with fertilizer that is not used is recycled. The project includes water storage, water treatment with reversed osmoses, water recycling, optimisation of fertigation - irrigation volumes and frequency in combination with applied fertilizers - and optimisation of crop cultivation techniques. Results The expected results are: Reduction of the use of irrigation water by at least 30% Reduction of the amount of fertilizer by more than 30% Reduction in running costs Maintenance or improvement of product quality and quantity Increase in level of production system sustainability All inputs and outputs are registered and a year round profile of input needs, production results, required running costs is made available after every full year. Ultimately, the project will result in a detailed financial business plan. Through the implementation of proper technology and management, water and nutrient use in protected and open horticultural production systems can be reduced and production quantity and quality can be increased at the same time. 28

31 Thanks to the lower input of water and fertilizers and higher production levels, the running costs remain low while the return increases. Calculating the eventual payback time for technology in this situation is an important aspect of the project. The outcomes of the financial calculations will be made available to East African growers, entrepreneurs, financers and all interested stakeholders. The consortium has planned to organize several seminars, open days and visits to the project site during trade missions during the Green Farming programme. The costs of investing in Dutch technologies are relatively high. However in the long-term you have the advantage of savings in water and fertilizer and gain more production. That s what we would like to demonstrate. This is for the Kenyan entrepreneurs and the bankers who always prefer on growers to accept the lowest quotation. All members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management AVAG 54 C & J Bosman 30 Genap 31 Hatenboer-Water 32 Hoogendoorn Growth Management 33 Horticoop 45 HortiMaX 55 PB Techniek 34 Relab den Haan 35 Arie van den Berg, Owner Van den Berg 29

32 C&J Bosman also active in Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management Bosman s specialization is irrigation technologies, electro-technical installations, ventilation systems and screen systems. For the East-African market the focus is on water technology. Contact information C & J Bosman BV Marco Braam Managing Director Mr. Jac Takkade CA Aalsmeer The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) info@bosmanbv.nl C&J Bosman BV has been active in the green sector, in the design and construction of commercial greenhouses, garden centers, installation technologies and related projects, for over 85 years. The company was established in Aalsmeer by Mr J. Bosman in 1920 and grew from a small familyowned carpentry company to a world-wide international operating construction enterprise. They are an innovative company standing for quality and a high level of service. C&J Bosman BV specializes in irrigation technologies, electro-technical installations, ventilation systems and screen systems. The electro-technical installations that can be designed, installed and maintained include climate control and irrigation computers, artificial lighting installations and switchboards. Activities East Africa A few years ago, C&J Bosman BV established subsidiaries in Ethiopia and Kenya; called Bosman Engineering Ltd. The companies work with twenty employees in Africa and our Dutch specialists also travel to East Africa regularly where they, in collaboration with local authorities, support projects in various countries. These projects are implemented as either specialized sub-contracts or full turnkey projects. C&J Bosman BV also participates in various consultative bodies and subsidy projects, which are centered around the transfer of knowledge. In East Africa C&J Bosman BV specializes in irrigation installations for the horticultural industry. C&J Bosman BV supplies watering and misting systems, or fully fertilizer dosing systems, with or without recirculation and decontamination of drain water. C&J Bosman BV also supplies tailormade fertilizer units, as well as specific units with EC pre-regulation for the food value, mixing hopper units or suction systems. C&J Bosman BV uses different kind of disinfection and filtration systems; such as UV disinfection and Chlorine Dioxide. The screen department at C&J Bosman BV specializes in the expert development, manufacture and installation of high-quality screen systems. C&J Bosman BV supplies all types of screen installations, external screens, gable screens and insect netting. A solid steel structure forms the basis of your business. C&J Bosman BV can implement different sizes, and special projects, in steel constructions and aluminium systems. 30

33 Genap With over 60 years of experience Genap is a specialized, professional and innovative partner in the field of plastic foil applications for the horticultural, infrastructural and environmental markets. Our core competence is the development and production of high quality storage systems for liquids, in particular water. The assortment of Genap is wide. It includes silos, reservoirs, closed systems, anti-algae covers and offers both standard products and bespoke solutions. Besides having a leading market position in the Dutch domestic market, export activities around the globe have become increasingly dominant. With a production output of over 8 million m 2 of foil constructions shipped to all continents. Genap creates waterproof solutions for her clients. Activities East Africa In the past years we have installed various projects in Africa, for instance: Delivery and installation of a closed water reservoir at van den Berg Roses, Kenya. Delivery and installation of several closed water tanks (Genaflexstore) in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia. Contact information Genap BV Bas Fortuin International Sales Manager Goorsestraat 1, s-heerenberg P.O. Box AA s-heerenberg The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) sales@genap.nl Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management 31

34 Hatenboer-Water Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management Hatenboer-Water is a specialist in the field of water treatment since Proven solutions for the (international) horticultural industry to maximize your crop yield. Long-standing experience in many market sectors and innovative practical know-how typifies their versatility with regard to the theme water and technology. Contact information Hatenboer-Water BV Ellen Merk Sales Engineer Mercuriusweg 8, Schiedam P.O. Box AA Rotterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) info@hatenboer-water.com Good water guarantees economical and healthy growth. Especially in horticulture where cultivation can be very vulnerable. Consequently, they know by experience the importance of water that is good and of a constant quality. Both of irrigation water and of post harvest water. Sustainable solutions to the need of your crop and your specific location. Hatenboer-Water can supply the right products, spare parts or services. Because of a complete package consisting of project management, own engineering and production, specialist expertise and worldwide network, the clients can rely on knowledge and skills. All systems are designed according to your wishes and demands and with the assurance of a thorough back-up by experienced (local) service agents. Solutions can vary from desalination of brackish well water with reverse osmosis (RO) to disinfection of drain water with compact UV systems. Supplying East Africa Whether it is to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia or any country in East Africa, Hatenboer-Water delivers worldwide solutions for irrigation and post harvest water. To name but a few: desalination, filtration, disinfection, softening, aeration and degassing, conditioning, dosing, iron removal, demineralisation, neutralisation, analysis and consultancy. Worldwide services The Hatenboer-Water service engineers are there for you with their knowledge for commissioning, training and service. Water in horticulture Water is of vital importance for your flowers and young plants. They cannot do without sufficient good quality irrigation water. But this is a fact that you already know. Rainwater is good, but in Africa not constant available. Mains water is a very expensive alternative. A reliable solution is the use of well water, treated by reverse osmosis. This proven technology ensures that you will always have an adequate supply of water and of a constant high quality. Over 500 of Hatenboer-Water reverse osmosis systems are in operation all over the world. Taking into account your specific situation and in consultation with you, we know we can offer you the right solution for your water needs. In short, Hatenboer-Water is geared up to your water! Many economical solutions As water is a many-sided product, the treatment of the different sorts of water demands different technologies and products. Hatenboer-Water has all these treatment technologies under one roof. 32

35 Hoogendoorn Growth Management also active in Hoogendoorn is known as the most innovative supplier of process automation systems and plant sensors in the horticultural industry and has worldwide experience in automation greenhouse projects. For forty years, we have been striving towards the optimal greenhouse climate, increasing crop yields, and managing costs and risks in greenhouse horticulture. One of the priorities within our organization is to develop software for the best use of water and fertilizer. At the right time, giving the right quantity and composition of water. We can provide a wide range of sensors which can measure the need of the plant in different circumstances. With those sensors connected to the Hoogendoorn process computer we can control all situations in the most optimum and flexible way. Non-stop service in East Africa Hoogendoorn cooperates closely with local partners all over the world. After intensive training and instruction, our partners earn the qualification of Hoogendoorn-certified dealer. Our partners take care of installation and commissioning. To guarantee service, maintenance and spare parts regarding our products in East Africa we work together with our partner Bosman Engineering. Bosman has local offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Naivasha, Kenya to ensure service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hoogendoorn s latest process computer The isii process computer from Hoogendoorn is the ideal process computer to optimise your climate, lighting, fertigation and energy management. The modular software structure enables you to tailor it exactly to the specific circumstances at your site. The hardware is just as flexible due to its decentralised installation concept. All your greenhouse automation is wired to different datapoint stations, strategically positioned throughout the greenhouse and subsequently connected to the isii computer by just one CAN-bus cable. Apart from saving you lots of cable this decentralised concept is easy to install and in case they occur, system failures are easy determined and resolved. Hoogendoorn s path & labor registration system Your employees are crucial, delivering a quality product and labor is a big cost factor. The Nomad registration system simply and accurately helps you to have a better insight into your labor processes, production figures, stock management, pest and disease control and more. A better insight means better control of efficiency, quality and costs. The portable and wireless data input keys work by means of RFID providing flawless and accurate data input. Because the entered data is directly processed, Nomad gives you live information at any time and at any location in your greenhouse. Contact information Hoogendoorn Growth Management Martin Helmich Sales Director Westlandseweg 190, Vlaardingen P.O. Box AC Vlaardingen The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) info@hoogendoorn.nl Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management 33

36 PB Techniek also active in Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management PB Techniek is an electrical-technical and water-technical installation company. The company is an independent business with over twenty years of experience in cultivation in greenhouses. Contact information PB Techniek BV Koen Brabander Managing Director Hondertland 170, 2676 LT Maasdijk The Netherlands T +31 (0) M +31 (0) (NL) koen@pb-techniek.nl African hydroponics Ltd. PO Box Nairobi Kenia In the past twenty years PB Techniek has carried out a lot of projects for its extensive clientele. These customers, with companies in the vegetable as well as the flower and potted plant industry, are not only located in the Netherlands, but also far outside its borders. With its approximately sixty permanent employees, the company is capable of executing large-scale projects. The core activities of PB techniek are: Water-technology Developments in efficient use of water and nutritive substances, the implementation of cultivation technical developments demand our full daily attention. Anticipating the present developments, among others the large scale of new companies, PB Techniek is cooperating with the grower(s) from an early stage to look together for custom made solutions. Electrical engineering Electrical engineering is a vital link in the optimal functioning of a new horticulture project. That is why we have a separate department in which dedicated technicians design each project down to the last detail. After that, the projects are worked out and realized by meticulous engineers. AHL provides up to date production technology, equipment, inputs and support to African producers of cut flowers and other crops. The company specializes in supply, installation and management of hydroponic systems, tailor made to meet customer needs, ensure profitability and environment protection. The company provides a guaranteed back up system and maintenance. AHL products are competitively priced and of highest quality. In our water technology the latest methods and resources are used to investigate how use of water and nutrients can be optimized to deliver the most efficient results. But the correct administration of water and nutrients also has great importance for the quality of the end product. The integration of water technology elements and nutritional aspects forms an essential part of our vision. Even if you have the best equipment, if the power supply does not work properly or is insufficient for your needs, your climate control and entire operations are likely to be brought into danger. This is why the specialists in our electro-technology division accept all challenges so as to gain the most profitable results possible from a perfect installation. And they are very advanced in this. Activities East Africa Our East African partner and daughter company is African Hydroponics Ltd (AHL) in Nairobi. AHL is a Kenyan incorporated company, started by two Dutch companies and a local partner. 34

37 Relab den Haan also active in Relab den Haan is an independent horticultural consulting and research company, operating its own facilities located in the Netherlands and South-Korea. We focus on chemical (nutrient) analysis of water, soil/substrate and plant material together with plant pathology diagnosis. Beside this we provide quality control analysis for peat/substrate manufacturers. The laboratory is equipped with the latest research technology, which, in combination with our ISO quality control system, guarantees highly qualified research. Analytical results are used to optimize the quality and yield of the crop. In addition to fertilizer recommendations and pest control measures we offer individual technical support to growers. Our laboratory and consulting services reach growers in over 40 countries. This includes a network of 16 agencies worldwide. Activities East Africa Relab den Haan is offering their services to growers in the East African market since Main markets in East Africa are Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania. In Kenya we are working with a local agent called Hygrotech East Africa Ltd. Due to well organized logistics we are able to provide a grower his test results in four days. Contact information Relab den Haan Rene Timmer Managing Director Lookwatering 62, Den Hoorn P.O. Box AA Wateringen The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) info@denhaan.nl Members of Green Farming who are active in Water Management 35