The 'hightech' horticulture as a catalyst for transitions?

The world faces enormous challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the transition to a circular economy. Not always yet, but fortunately, increasingly, (greenhouse) horticulture is essential in providing solutions. But what if we see the sector not only as a food producer but also as an engine for the protein transition and the production of sustainable fuels? Two themes that not only offer new opportunities but also raise fundamental questions about the future of the sector.

The protein transition: from animal to vegetable

The protein transition is a hotly debated topic. We know shifting from animal to plant-based proteins is essential for a more sustainable food system. But is this also an opportunity for Dutch high-tech horticulture? Imagine (greenhouse) horticulture companies producing not tomatoes or peppers but soybeans, algae, or duckweed - protein-rich crops that serve as the basis for meat substitutes or other vegetable products. The latter was in the news earlier this week because it was approved by the European Union and allowed to be sold as food for humans.

Controlled growing conditions in greenhouses and vertical farms offer an advantage in producing these crops: higher yields, less impact from external factors such as climate change, and more efficient water and energy use. Yet there are also questions. How scalable are these crops within the current cropping system? And is there enough demand to make this step profitable?

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Bioethanol: a new energy source produced by horticulture

Another intriguing perspective is the use of crops to produce bioethanol. Consider plants grown in the open ground, whose yields are used for alternative fuels. Or using residual streams - leaves stems, and other organic waste - as feedstock for bioethanol production.

Port of Rotterdam, where bioethanol is produced on a larger scale, can be an interesting cooperation partner here. In this way, the Port Authority can convert the cultivated products and residual streams into fuel. The CO2 released in this process can then be delivered back to the horticultural sector for growing crops. It is a win-win situation in which horticulture contributes to the energy transition, and residual streams, among other things, are efficiently utilized. But here, too, there are questions on the table: is there sufficient scale from our residual streams? What does this development mean for competition between food and fuel crops? And how does society view using agricultural products for energy instead of food?

Opportunities, but no easy path

I find it fascinating that these topics may have a lot of potential. When I hear about it, I want to know more about it and explore it further with specialists. In ten years, our sector could look very different. Might this be our lead? And do we perhaps need such a switch to stay ahead? It's not easy, and neither is a scalable business model yet. These innovations' market developments and energy intensity require brilliant collaborations, technological breakthroughs, political support, and clear communication.

What I hope above all is that, as a sector, we remain open to these prospects and continue to focus on today's kilos and margins and tomorrow's impact and opportunities. Because if Dutch horticulture is good at anything, it is innovating!

Let's keep thinking together about the correct answers to the challenging questions. What do you think: does horticulture have a future in protein transition and/or bioethanol? And are we ready for that next step?