Chrysanthemum cultivation is a challenging sector. To meet the sustainability requirements
for the future, you have to keep innovating as a business. Finding a
reliable partner is essential. J&A Flowers, a true family company and part
part of the growers' association VannoVaMG, has found that partner in A1 Group. Erwin,
co-owner of J&A Flowers, talks about their collaboration and the sustainability of their
their cultivation facilities.
In 2024, J&A Flowers expanded by 3.6 hectares. "We were given the opportunity to take over two greenhouses from
our neighbours in De Lier. That gave us the opportunity to create a nice,
efficient block," says Erwin. "An opportunity we couldn't pass up."
Such an expansion involves a lot, especially in terms of screening. J&A Flowers opted for double screens: a blackout and energy screen. "We knew very well ourselves what we wanted, but A1 Group actively thought along with us. In the end we chose screens from Svensson and we are very happy with them."
In addition to the screens, insect netting was also installed. "That was new for us," says Erwin. "If you want to keep growing chrysanthemums in the future, it actually becomes a requirement. With the current options in crop protection products, you don't really have an option. Thrips is not solved directly with it, but for other pests like aphids, bugs and caterpillars it is an effective solution. You can really make a big impact with it. I am convinced that within now and two years all chrysanthemum growers will have mesh in their vents."
Such an expansion involves a lot, especially in terms of screening. J&A Flowers opted for double screens: a blackout and energy screen. "We knew very well ourselves what we wanted, but A1 Group actively thought along with us. In the end we chose screens from Svensson and we are very happy with them."
In addition to the screens, insect netting was also installed. "That was new for us," says Erwin. "If you want to keep growing chrysanthemums in the future, it actually becomes a requirement. With the current options in crop protection products, you don't really have an option. Thrips is not solved directly with it, but for other pests like aphids, bugs and caterpillars it is an effective solution. You can really make a big impact with it. I am convinced that within now and two years all chrysanthemum growers will have mesh in their vents."
A project of this size requires a partner who not only supplies high-quality
materials, but also thinks with us and is flexible. "We heard good stories about A1
Group and decided to talk to them," says Erwin. "From the first conversation with
Kevin we had a good feeling about them. They showed that they were keen to get started
in chrysanthemum cultivation. The value for money was good and we had a good click.
We were confident."
That trust was more than lived up to. "The cooperation went very well. A1 kept perfectly to schedule, which is crucial in new construction. But what I appreciate, is their service afterwards because minor adjustments are always needed. With A1 you don't have to wait for that. You call, and a day later someone is in the garden."
According to Kevin from A1 Group, the contact goes well because they "share the same blood group share. Erwin agrees: "Kevin, Remco and I are on the same page. That communicates pleasantly.
That trust was more than lived up to. "The cooperation went very well. A1 kept perfectly to schedule, which is crucial in new construction. But what I appreciate, is their service afterwards because minor adjustments are always needed. With A1 you don't have to wait for that. You call, and a day later someone is in the garden."
According to Kevin from A1 Group, the contact goes well because they "share the same blood group share. Erwin agrees: "Kevin, Remco and I are on the same page. That communicates pleasantly.
"The cooperation has been very good. A1
kept perfectly to schedule, which is crucial in new construction. But what I
appreciate, is their service afterwards because minor adjustments are always needed. With A1
you don't have to wait for that. You call, and a day later someone is in the garden."
Erwin van Luijk | co-owner J&A Flowers
Future plans
The collaboration between J&A Flowers and A1 Group does not stop here. This year
insect netting installed in the existing greenhouse in De Lier and in Maasdijk, too, there are
investments are planned, such as blackout and energy screens. In addition, we are already
looking at a second phase of new construction. "As an innovative greenhouse horticulture company you
never stand still. This crop also requires you to always be on the move and A1 is a good partner for that
at that."
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