Arne van Aalst works as a Key Account Manager for North West Europe at Koppert. In this role, he liaises with major growers (associations) and subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the UK, and Poland. He advises on sustainable solutions in integrated crop protection. In this MasterKas, he shares his vision on sustainable cultivation, European policy, and the future of the sector.
What can we in the Netherlands learn from sustainable solutions in other countries?
Arne : “In the Netherlands, we often think we know everything, but that's not always the case. In East Africa, growers have fewer resources and often still cultivate in the ground. There, the focus is much more on plant resilience; strengthening the plant to prevent diseases and pests. You also see different substrate options elsewhere, such as coco coir, where organic products can establish themselves better. We can learn a lot from that here.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge for growers in Northwestern Europe in the field of integrated crop protection over the next five years?
Arne : “The biggest challenge is the elimination of chemical corrective agents. This is due to stricter regulations, but also because consumers and retailers are demanding healthier food. By 2027, there will be few chemical options left. Growers will therefore have to work much more preventatively, using organic agents. And that requires a different mindset. Fortunately, the Dutch sector is tackling this head-on. There's courage in our sector. And that makes me proud.”
Where do you see growers making a difference when it comes to sustainability and cultivation quality?
Arne : “The growers who make the difference are true entrepreneurs. They think beyond the present and consciously invest in sustainability, without compromising on quality. You see this, for example, in the companies participating in the '100% green cultivation' project. They go for it, driven by vision and entrepreneurship. They want to be ready for tomorrow and take responsibility.”
If you could drive one change in European greenhouse horticulture, what would you most like to be working on today?
Arne: "Then I would accelerate the approval process for green products today. It sometimes takes seven to ten years now. That's really too long, especially considering how quickly the sector is innovating. Growers want to go green, but then politicians have to cooperate. It's not fair that they have to make the switch, but Brussels is moving so slowly."
What do you enjoy most about working in greenhouse horticulture? And why do you think Koppert is such a good fit?
Arne : "Greenhouse horticulture is an enterprising sector. Growers don't give up when things get tough, but immediately look for solutions. That's also what Koppert is all about. We think along, are at the forefront of green solutions, and contribute to healthier food. And honestly: I love healthy food myself, but also a beer every now and then. So I know what I'm talking about."
When you talk about entrepreneurship, how do you see the role of the younger generation of growers?
Arne : "You see the sector changing. Companies are getting bigger, and the new generation brings more specialization. Today's entrepreneurs aren't just growers; they work with energy and cultivation specialists. That's good, but it also requires some effort: we have to be careful not to become too cumbersome. The strength of horticulture lies in adapting quickly and taking action. We need to maintain that culture."
Do you think the Netherlands can remain a leader in sustainable cultivation?
Arne : "Yes, but only if we remain open to developments beyond our borders. Other countries may operate differently, but they are certainly just as innovative in some areas. And as a sector, we also need to learn to add more value, both within the supply chain and to the market. Then we can maintain, or even strengthen, our leading position."
