Together2grow
Meet Fedor van Veen, active in the field for 28 years. Since 2018 his company has merged and continued under the name Together2grow. As co-owner, he deals with the general business and is responsible for one of the locations. Of all the various varieties, the Charmelia is his favorite.
Together2grow
- 8,8 hectares
- 35 types of Alstroemeria
How did you get into the field?
Took over my father's nursery. At that time we grew trusses. In 1999 we sold the company in Naaldwijk and established a new company in Schipluiden. In 2018 we merged with colleague Bernard Zuidgeest and continued under the name Together2Grow.
What makes this field so special for you?
The enormous developments that are continually being made. In addition to the beautiful new varieties that come from the various breeders every year, I have witnessed the emergence of soil cooling, emergence of supplemental lighting and in recent years, sustainability through LED lighting and geothermal heat. We should be proud of our field and the colleagues we share knowledge with.
We should be proud of our field and the colleagues we share knowledge with.
Which part of the process do you find most fun/challenging?
Overarching issues around innovation, marketing and commerce.
What are you most proud of?
The development of Together2Grow in recent years, with three locations in the Netherlands and partner on a production site in Ethiopia.
What has changed or had the greatest impact in recent years?
The emergence of LED lighting has given Alstroemeria cultivation a positive boost in recent years. We can now use the required amount of light without creating additional heat. Sustainable Alstroemeria cultivation is on the "map" year-round with top quality.
What does sustainable cultivation look like in your organisation?
Utilize the latest techniques and innovations, including:
- Diversity in organic fertilizers and crop protection products.
- Connecting to geothermal heat by 2023
- Investments in LED lighting
- Reuse drainage water
- Attract and retain our employee
What do you think the process of growing or breeding will look like in 10 years?
State of the art nurseries including a diversity of options in the field of energy (solar panels, CHP plants, geothermal, batteries, etc.) with a total range of products and a one-stop-shop possibility for the customers.
What do you think makes the Alstroemeria so special?
Suitable for all occasions and available in all colors and shapes. But the most special remain the leaves of the Alstroemeria that are twisted at the base, so that the leaf underside is at the top.
What would you tell a florist about the Alstroemeria?
There are so many possibilities for processing Alstroemerias. Alstroemeria Large-flowered with all imaginable colors and Alstroemeria Florinca with the many graceful smaller flowers which already show color when purchased. You are, by appointmentYou are always welcome to visit one of our nurseries, where we will be happy to share our enthusiasm for our crop with you.
How do you like to see the Alstroemeria?
I can't choose. A mono bouquet of Alstroemeria Large-flowered is stunning, but a field bouquet of Alstroemeria Florincas is also a picture.
What do you think most people (florists) do not know about the Alstroemeria?
Most unusual remain the leaves of the Alstroemeria that are twisted at the base, leaving the leaf underside on top.
What ambitions do you have for the Alstroemeria?
Fossil-free cultivation is something that could be very cool and achievable with Alstroemeria. From the breeders, I also expect many novelties and improvements in the coming years.