Cultivators, Vertify and World Horti Center continue ‘Cultivation for Compounds’
On May 5th, Liberation Day in the Netherlands, we celebrate our freedom. A day to reflect on how valuable it is to live in a society where we are free to say, think and dream whatever we want. However, freedom also means taking responsibility: for each other, for the environment and for our future. In a turbulent world where we are confronted with geopolitical tension and climate change, another topic increasingly comes into focus: food security.
Westland plays a unique role in this regard. As an international hotspot for innovative horticulture, we possess the knowledge, technology and collaborative strength to provide not only the Netherlands but also other parts of the world with healthy and sustainable food. How can we build resilience from freedom? And what does that require from us as a society? Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center, will discuss this with Bouke Arends, mayor of Westland.
Puck van Holsteijn: What does freedom mean to you personally, and how do you express that in your role as mayor?
Bouke Arends: “To me personally, freedom means being free to express your own opinion, to do what you want, and to go wherever you please. That you are allowed to be who you are — that’s what I find beautiful about freedom. As a mayor, I also strongly value that, of course always within the framework of democracy and the law.”
How do you view the relationship between freedom and responsibility in light of major societal challenges like food security?
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that many countries are highly dependent on food production in countries abroad. We’ve gotten used to free trade and importing products, but it turns out this cannot always be taken for granted. You can see this now in the number of countries visiting World Horti Center in Westland. They’re very interested in scaling up their horticultural production — not to boost exports, but to be able to feed their own populations properly.”
Westland is known worldwide for its innovative horticulture. What role do you see for this region in strengthening food security, both locally and internationally?
“We can’t feed the entire world from the Netherlands. We export vegetables and fruit to countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. So, instead, we’re feeding the world with another export product: our knowledge, innovation and technology. That’s what spreads across the globe. A greenhouse from the Netherlands can essentially be placed anywhere. That way, you can provide people with food anywhere in the world.”
Can you give a concrete example of this?
“A lot of delegations come to Westland, and we as a municipality also visit other countries. Agreements are often signed during these visits. We want to bring all of this together in the ‘global horticulture network’, aimed at exchanging knowledge and innovation. You are, of course, also actively working on this by establishing World Horti Center hubs in other parts of the world, which presents a great opportunity to join forces. It’s then up to our companies to continue leading the way in technology and innovation.”
Do you think food security gets enough attention in the public debate about freedom?
“The vulnerability of food security does not receive the attention it should get. We’re too focused on solving issues like nitrogen emissions, and in doing so, we forget to think integrally. Besides, we’ve lost the ability to make these issues understandable for a large part of the population.”
What are you proud of when it comes to how Westland is preparing for a future with more uncertainties?
“As a municipality, we are very aware of the vulnerability of for instance our sewers and pumping stations. The respective security standards are therefore very high, that’s something I’m proud of. Additionally, we are working on expanding the opportunities for the horticulture sector to operate internationally. The development of the Flora Campus plays a major role in this. We are making sure this will be the heart of knowledge sharing.”
Do you have a message for the residents and entrepreneurs of Westland for May 5th (Liberation Day)?
“We’ve now lived in a country without war for 80 years — a country where life is good, and where everyone has a lot of freedom. Let’s do everything we can to keep granting each other that freedom. My freedom can only exist if I grant you yours as well. A democracy isn’t about ‘fifty percent plus one’; it’s about making decisions while also considering the minority. And being prepared to fight for that freedom if necessary.”
Puck van Holsteijn adds:
“To make that happen, trust and truly listening to each other are also very important. That we trust in people. When you know what’s important to someone else, you can anticipate on that.”
