Groningen step too far
VNK makes arable farmers enthusiastic about herb cultivation
The message from VNK director Bauke van der Veen was clear in December 2016. 'Grow in the acreage of herbs that the Biddinghuizen company dries and markets worldwide.' That ambition has partly been fulfilled. New growers have registered and existing companies are expanding in surface area. However, the really big breakthrough has yet to take place.
Herb processor VNK developed In the past twelve years, it has become a specialist in two types of herbs: parsley and valerian. By specializing, turnover doubled in 10 years. This is partly due to the growing world market. Prosperity is increasing, for example in Central and South America, which increases the demand for luxury products. there is spinning VND yarn.
95
procent
Area 95 percent filled
The cultivation of VNK's largest crop, parsley, has two main growing areas. Flevoland, around the factory in Biddinghuizen, and West Brabant. In order to be able to grow, the drying capacity for the crop was significantly expanded at the beginning of 2016. 'Over 95 percent of the acreage we have in mind has been filled in,' says Van der Veen. 'Partly because existing growers are expanding and partly because we have attracted new Flevoland and Brabant growers.'
Growth in Groningen
The company has its eyes on Northeast Groningen for the expansion of parsley cultivation. It's not that far this spring yet. 'There is certainly interest from the north for herb cultivation. One requirement is that we can start with a profitable surface area', explains the herb director. Harvesting is carried out by a contracting company. Acreage is needed to make that profitable. That limit has not been reached for this season. A limited number of crops can be grown on the heavy clay soil in Groningen. These are often relatively low-yielding crops such as grain or sugar beet. Parsley is a welcome addition to the building plan. An additional advantage is the climate. In Groningen there is on average less rainfall than in the central and southern Netherlands. It is risk spreading for us. †
Recovery after fire
'In January the spice factory in Biddinghuizen was hit by fire. The building was spared, but the drying installation suffered major damage. 'We were able to dry the valerian, our other crop, externally. We are now working with all our might to repair the machines. Our deadline is 1 June, the start of the 'leaf season' for parsley', explains Van der Veen. “We are confident that this will succeed. Parsley growers are not affected by this.'
Valerian stable
The other crop VNK focuses on, valerian, has a smaller surface area than parsley. Van der Veen describes the market and acreage as stable: 'We also want to expand this acreage. However, for that to happen, the market must offer opportunities. Growth opportunities are not available at the moment. The valeriac growers are mainly located in Drenthe and Overijssel, on the light sandy and valley soils. The crop offers a welcome addition to the traditional Veenkolonial cropping plan of grain, starch potatoes and sugar beet. In recent years, a yield increase has been achieved, resulting in a more favorable balance per hectare. The interest to grow is definitely there.'
Niels van der Boom
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