It all started nearly a one C ago . The Stolk Brothers ' journey in horticulture began in 1925 when Pieter Stolk ’s great - grandad buy state in Bergschenhoek and started growing lettuce . Over the days , the family ’s dedication to excogitation and sustainable practices led them through various crops — from lettuce to love apple , and eventually to their current specialty : anthuriums .
For Pieter Stolk , the shift to biological crop protection was both a necessity and a calling . " In the early ' 90 , my father and uncle started work with Koppert , driven by firsthand experience of the impact of chemical pesticide . My father developed severe eczema from palm chemical sprays , and it became clear that we want a better , healthier alternative . " That ’s when they flex to Koppert ’s biological solutions .
At the clip , biological gadfly control was seen as improper and was often met with skepticism . " People thought we were sick , call us the ' guys with glitch , ' " Pieter echo . " But fast forwards 30 age , and now you ca n’t imagine gardening without biological pest dominance . "
The connection between Stolk Brothers and Koppert runs deep . " Our families have cognise each other for days . That foundation of trustfulness made it easy to put to work together , " Pieter explicate . " Koppert has grown tremendously , but it remains a family business at heart — focus on calibre , origination , and closelipped relationships . "
Despite Koppert ’s expansion , Stolk Brothers continues to sense the company ’s personal touch sensation . " Fifteen , twenty years ago , you could just call someone at Koppert and get a sampling to adjudicate out . Things have become more structured , but the essence of the fellowship — the accessibility , the apportion dedication to sustainable growing — remains . "
Predatory mites : the backbone of a sustainable strategyFor Stolk Brothers , predatory tinge spring the introduction of their biologic crop protection strategy . " We started with predatory hint and have since incorporated bio antimycotic and other biocontrol agent . But at the core , predatory mites are our go - to resolution , " says Pieter .
Initially , biological control was used reactively — similar to chemical treatments — only applying predatory mites when pests were spotted . " Over time , we make that ’s not how biologic control works best . Now , we take a proactive approach , wield a hard universe of predatory hint throughout the full harvest cycle . " This shift has lead to more resilient plant and a more sustainable grow process .
The route to chemical substance - gratis horticultureLooking ahead , Pieter interpret a future where gardening is entirely destitute of chemical pesticide . " It ’s achievable , but we need full allegiance — not just from growers , but also from policymakers in The Hague and Brussels . We need clear regulations and support , not shifting policy that make long - term planning inconceivable . "
The transition to biological control has n’t always been placid . " We ’ve try out all kinds of methods — some worked , some did n’t . I remember one experiment with a garlic - based production . We applied it in the evening , and by morning , the entire greenhouse reek like a elephantine shawarma stand . Our workers were not impressed , " Pieter laughs . " That was a object lesson in balance — foundation is groovy , but practicality matter too . "
A future build on collaborationOne of the cardinal grounds Stolk Brothers continues to partner with Koppert is the fellowship ’s reliability and commitment to grower . " Koppert is more than just a supplier ; they ’re a partner in our journey . Their consultants serve us remain ahead of potential issues , not just react to today ’s challenge but planning for the future . "
As horticulture evolves , Pieter believes that consumer education will be crucial . " People still associate clean - looking plant life with quality , but they do n’t realise that a chemical substance - free plant is actually the goodish choice . If a predatory mite leaves behind some residue , it ’s proof that biological control is working — but consumers do n’t always see it that way yet . "
Despite the challenges , Pieter remain optimistic . " Every year , we improve . Every class , we elaborate our method . And with mate like Koppert , we know we ’re on the proper path to a more sustainable , chemical substance - costless future . "
For more information : Koppert[email protected]www.koppert.com
