When horticulture is promoted, the focus is often on glass and steel; entrepreneurs and suppliers proudly showcase the (mechanical) technologies they have developed or offer. This approach is understandable when the emphasis is on mass production (as many kilos per square meter as possible), but it no longer aligns with vision.

The horticulture sector faces significant challenges. There is increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, such as improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Natural solutions must be leveraged to keep plants healthy without compromising yields. Additionally, there is a growing demand for circular horticulture: reusing nutrients and minimizing pollution are essential to making the sector future-proof.

These shifts also impact the cultivation process itself. Dutch growers are known for their expertise in interpreting and managing their crops. This is a complex process that (often subconsciously) takes into account numerous factors and processes happening within the plants. However, even experienced growers sometimes struggle to fully grasp everything occurring in the greenhouse. This challenge is amplified by the energy transition, which requires growers to adapt to new technologies and approaches, making it harder to understand why plants respond the way they do.

There is a growing belief that technology should be a tool to prioritize plants, creating an environment tailored to the real-time needs of the crop. Thanks to sensors, nature-based philosophies, and other innovations, we are learning more about plant needs and well-being. Decisions are increasingly made with the understanding that a “happy plant” delivers better results.

The Power of Plants Pavilion addresses these challenges. It provides a platform where innovative technologies and solutions converge. This helps growers cultivate healthier crops, close nutrient loops, and minimize ecological impact. The pavilion is a joint initiative by leading suppliers in the horticulture sector. These companies are pioneers in adopting a plant-centric mindset, developing products and technologies that empower growers to better understand and respond to the needs of their crops.

• Skytree develops Direct Air Capture technologies to extract CO2 directly from the outside air, providing growers with constant access to a natural and local source of carbon dioxide tailored to the plant’s needs.
• Hoogendoorn Growth Management utilizes advanced automation and a plant-centered philosophy to create an optimal greenhouse climate tailored to the plant’s needs at any given moment. Their innovative solutions focus on optimizing greenhouses, increasing yields, and sustainably managing natural resources, all supported by training and maintenance services in over 100 countries.
• LetsGrow.com provides data-driven insights and solutions that enable real-time adjustments based on precise signals from the plants themselves. By utilizing advanced technologies such as vision and artificial intelligence, LetsGrow.com optimizes cultivation processes for growers worldwide, ensuring optimal growth conditions while maximizing efficiency and minimizing resource use.
• RED Horticulture utilizes intelligent lighting tailored to the physiological needs of the plant, providing the precise spectrum and intensity required.
• Koppert supports plants with natural solutions such as beneficial insects and microbial products that enhance plant health above and below ground, based on the plant’s specific needs.
• Van Iperen International delivers high-quality, efficient circular fertilizers and biostimulants that naturally nourish and strengthen plants naturally, with minimal environmental impact.

Their techniques are integrated into the pavilion to allow this piece of lush nature to thrive in an unexpected location: an enclosed space without daylight. However, the technology remains largely out of sight because the focus is on the plant, not the technology.