In our fruitcompany we have been consciously working on sustainability and biodiversity for over 20 years. We grow our fruit with respect for nature and environment and maintaining a biological balance is our starting point. There are many beneficial insects that, under normal conditions, keep pest populations under control. Examples include earwigs, parasitic wasps, ladybirds, and anthocoris. We only intervene when it is truly necessary. Crop protection is applied as minimally as possible, always with consideration for people, animals, and the environment.
We follow the guidelines of the “Beter voor” Foundation, which helps us ensure our sustainable working methods.

Solar panels

A large part of the storage facility is covered with solar panels. This allows our company to operate almost energy-neutral while we help our net providers to balance the supply and demand of energy.

Pheromone confusion

The codling moth is a harmful insect that lays its eggs on the fruit in early June. The larvae of the codling moth burrow into apples and pears, making the fruit unsuitable for human consumption. To prevent this, pheromones are used. A pheromone is a scent that attracts males of a specific insect species. On warm summer evenings, female codling moths (Cydia pomonella) become active. Males are drawn to the scent and attempt to mate with them. Through dispensers placed in the orchard, small amounts of this scent are released into the air. This confuses the males, preventing them from finding the females. As a result, mating rarely occurs, and pest control measures are hardly needed.

Biodiversity

Great care is taken to preserve a natural habitat. Around the orchard, there is a border planted with 25 native shrubs, ensuring that at least one species is in bloom year-round, attracting insects. The wide variety of plants and shrubs strengthens resilience and increases the diversity of beneficial insects, which also has a positive effect on the landscape.
In addition, a flower field contributes to biodiversity and stimulates the insect population. The wildflower mixture provides a long-lasting food source for many different insect species.

 

 

 

 

Cold stores using CO2

The newest technology and installations are used to store our fruit. These systems use CO₂ as a refrigerant. Because the CO₂ is used in a closed circuit, it has no harmful effects on the ozone layer. This method of cooling also uses less energy compared to traditional cooling with Freon. The residual heat released by the cooling system is captured and used, among other things, for heating the loading docks.

Bee hotel

This wooden bamboo structure provides a safe nesting place for bees and other insects.