Innovating Sustainable Greenhouse Cultivation with Data-Driven Solutions

Royalpride is a pioneering agricultural company specializing in the cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers. Located in the Wieringermeer region, Royalpride operates over 70 hectares of greenhouses. The company's mission is to differentiate itself through sustainable practices. As part of that mission, they’ve already achieved a big milestone: becoming the first tomato grower to obtain the PlanetProof certification (the Dutch environmental quality label). 

Historical Context 

Originally based in Westland, Royalpride was founded 60 years ago by the Van den Ende family. Van den Ende laid the foundation for the now worldwide known enterprise. After the establishment, the initial location soon proved too small, prompting a move to a 20-hectare site in Made, Brabant. Seeking further expansion, the company settled in Wieringermeer, collaborating with neighboring firms to establish essential infrastructure from scratch, including energy systems. 

For Royalpride, innovation has always played a key role, and over the years, Royalpride has introduced several progressive technologies in the field of tomato cultivation, climate regulation, energy consumption and sustainability. The company employs geothermal energy and solar panels to minimize its environmental footprint, for example. They also trade energy among local partners before selling surplus to the national grid, reducing their overall impact. Another way in which the innovative spirit of Royalpride shines is through their collaboration with companies aimed at progressing the agricultural market, among which Source.ag. 

Data-Driven Cultivation

In recent years, data has become crucial for Royalpride. The company utilizes Source to improve yield forecasts and optimize resource use. Source’s advanced solutions collect vast amounts of data from greenhouse sensors and climate computers, as well as the Source Plant App, allowing Royalpride to make precise predictions about their cultivation. This precision helps the company maximize profits and reduce losses by avoiding overproduction and underproduction.

Derek Bot, the head grower and energy manager, highlights the importance of accurate forecasting. "If our projections are too high or too low, it costs us money. Source helps us stay as close to reality as possible, which is invaluable."

Energy Management

As energy manager, Derek Bot oversees the energy consumption of the greenhouses, balancing the use of geothermal energy and other sources. Source plays a crucial role in this aspect by providing real-time data and insights, helping the company manage energy use efficiently.

Cultivation Management

In addition to energy management, Derek Bot also supervises the cultivation process. Using Source's tools like Source Track, Source Cultivate, and Source Control, the team at Royalpride can monitor plant growth, adjust climate conditions, and manage water usage with high precision. This integrated approach ensures optimal growing conditions and high-quality produce.

Rene op den Kelder, a grower at Royalpride, explains how these tools have improved their operations. "Track reduces errors compared to our old paper and Excel systems. Cultivate helps us plan and monitor crop production, while Control optimizes irrigation based on real-time weather data."

Challenges and the Future 

The agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including high energy costs and labor shortages. Royalpride addresses these issues by leveraging technology and data to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it well to meet the increasing global demand for food.

Royalpride's future plans include further reducing its environmental footprint by replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED systems. They also aim to expand their use of Source's data-driven tools to improve every aspect of their operations.

Final Thoughts 

Royalpride exemplifies the integration of sustainability and innovation in modern agriculture. By leveraging advanced data solutions and committing to environmentally friendly practices, the company not only enhances its productivity and profitability but also sets a benchmark for the agricultural industry. Their journey reflects a forward-thinking approach, embracing next-generation farming to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.