Key Takeaways:
- Van der Hoeven announces the completion of the state-of-the-art Better Future Farms facility in Virginia, featuring advanced automation in seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and packaging.
- The fully automated greenhouse minimizes labor requirements while creating skilled job opportunities, supporting the regional economy.
- Key partnerships with Generate Capital and Hortiplan drove the success of the project, which sets a new standard for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in the United States.
- The facility meets growing demand for fresh, locally grown leafy greens in Virginia and operates year-round with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Van der Hoeven has proudly announced the completion of the Better Future Farms facility in Virginia, a cutting-edge leafy greens greenhouse located on a 61-acre site. This fully automated, semi-closed greenhouse is one of the most advanced in the world, offering seamless production from seeding to packaging. The facility leverages state-of-the-art technology for automated transplanting, harvesting, climate control, and packaging, ensuring an efficient and sustainable approach to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Advanced Technology and Economic Impact
The innovative greenhouse design allows Better Future Farms to maintain a year-round supply of fresh, high-quality leafy greens, addressing the growing demand for local produce in Virginia. By automating various processes, the facility significantly reduces labor requirements, yet it creates new highly skilled job opportunities that boost the local economy. Van der Hoeven will continue providing ongoing support to Better Future Farms to optimize operations and sustain long-term growth.
Key Partnerships in Sustainability
Better Future Farms partnered with Generate Capital, a leader in sustainable investment and infrastructure, to bring the facility to life. Van der Hoeven led the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of the project, ensuring it met the demand for fresh, locally grown food in the United States.
“Van der Hoeven is proud to play a key role in advancing sustainable horticulture in the United States,” said Bas Duijvestijn, Chief Commercial Officer of Van der Hoeven. “This state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone and highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demand for fresh, locally grown vegetables.”
Collaboration and Innovation
A key contributor to the success of the facility was the partnership with Hortiplan, a market leader in Mobile Gutter Systems (MGS). Both Hortiplan and Van der Hoeven are part of Arvesta, a full-service partner for farmers and horticulturists focused on innovation and sustainability. Together, these companies have developed one of the most advanced leafy greens greenhouses globally, optimizing the growing process from seeding to harvesting.
Positive Market Reception
David Drescher, CEO of Better Future Farms, praised the project and its positive reception in the market. “The Virginia facility is one-of-a-kind, and it’s amazing to see how it all came together. The lettuce looks and tastes fantastic. Initial customer feedback has been extremely positive. We look forward to providing locally grown lettuce to our customers year-round for years to come and appreciate the hard work of Van der Hoeven and Hortiplan.”
Van Der Hoeven Latest News
Appoints Daan Mansveld as New Sales Manager for The Americas (2024/09/12)
Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects has appointed Daan Mansveld as the new Sales Manager for The Americas, succeeding Bas Duijvestijn who has led the company’s U.S. operations. Mansveld brings over nine years of experience in the horticultural and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry, focusing on greenhouses and automation. Bas Duijvestijn will return to the Netherlands as Chief Commercial Officer, focusing on driving Van der Hoeven’s global growth strategy.
Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects & Patron Agri Systems Earn Expanded HortiQ Certification (2023/10/30)
Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects, along with its subsidiary Patron Agri Systems, continues to set quality standards in the horticulture industry. The companies have recently received the BRL8001 certification, adding to their existing BRL8000 certification, which confirms their adherence to strict quality norms and protocols within the horticulture sector. Menno van den Brink, CTO, and Jens Stender-Robertz, QHSE-Manager, accepted the BRL8001 certification on behalf of Patron Agri Systems. The new certification specifically focuses on the quality of water products, making their certification portfolio complete. Hans van der Salm, Chairman of HortiQ, stated, “The acquisition of both the BRL8000 and BRL8001 certificates is clear evidence of the commitment of the company and Patron Agri Systems to high-quality and craftsmanship.”
