Sustainable entrepreneurship is becoming more and more common. This also applies to the agricultural sector, where sustainability and the environment are slowly but surely receiving more attention.
In supermarkets you will find more and more products that are made with respect for people and the environment. You can also see more and more solar parks being created between the fields and on the meadows, which are connected via the sun renewable energy arouse. However, there are more developments in the field of sustainability in the agricultural sector. Below we list a few of them.
1. Less poison
Partly due to the use of plant protection products and fertilizer and intensive agricultural sector, we have a manure surplus. As a result, less and less is growing on agricultural land. There is now a greater focus on sustainability; some farmers use no or much less product and grow different crops, for example. As a result, they are less bothered by insects that affect crops. Or they grow stronger crops that can withstand drought and diseases well.
2. Technical developments
The technology is also being used for greater sustainability in agriculture. For example, manure can be fermented into biogas and windmills can be placed on the roofs of farms. Also the precision farming emerging. The use of crop protection agents, manure and fuel is limited as much as possible.
An example of this is the use of sensors that determine the fertilizer and water needs of plants, so that the dosage can be adjusted. By driving agricultural vehicles very accurately and automatically, the farmer can save fuel.
3. More sustainable greenhouses
Certain parts of the Netherlands are full of them: illuminated and heated greenhouses, where all kinds of fruit and vegetables are grown. It is not difficult to imagine that a significant part of the production costs in greenhouse horticulture consists of energy costs. Entrepreneurs in this sector are therefore always looking for ways to reduce their energy costs.
Except by being critical of which supplier they choose, they can also save considerably by investing in sustainable LED lighting. Unlike traditional lamps, LED lamps allow gardeners to adjust the color and intensity of the light. As a result, the lighting in the greenhouses is not only used much more efficiently, plants grow better and have a higher quality.
4. Trees and Shrubs
Agroforestry is also an important factor in more sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry means that arable farming or vegetable cultivation is combined with the cultivation of trees or shrubs. This increases the resilience of the sector as a whole.
It is also better for the environment. This is because trees and shrubs are full of beneficial insects, birds and other animals. Farmers therefore need less chemical pesticides.
5. Solar parks: a good idea or not?
Until now, you mainly saw solar panels on roofs. But if it is up to energy suppliers, they will increasingly be on land. Installing solar parks between meadows is in itself a good idea. Farmers rent out a piece of land, where solar panels are then installed.
These parks supply energy generated by a sustainable source: the sun. It is also financially attractive for farmers, because it provides a welcome extra. The only drawback of the solar parks is that they use land intended for food production.