What we do
The HortiDemoCentre specialises in protected horticulture and aims to showcase the best and most cutting-edge in Dutch horticultural technology. Our vision is to work towards being a viable business in the long term by implementing innovative Dutch technologies for profitable, productive, sustainable and climate smart agronomy and offering training to students, commercial and emerging farmers, and extension workers. We do not only focus on the improvement of farming methods, but by focusing on the entire value chain, markets for the products will be improved and ultimately jobs will be created with climate-smart horticulture.
The HortiDemoCentre’s objectives are to:
- Provide training, skills and knowledge exchange on good farming practices and entrepreneurship for new and existing farmers, students, and emerging commercial farmers.
- Engage other important stakeholders and value chain partners and develop a new market for sustainable agriculture and technologies such as on water efficiency, climate resistant inputs, biological pest management, post-harvest inspection and certification.
- Strengthen the position of Dutch greenhouse technology and high-quality inputs in the South African market. We aim to achieve this by showcasing the technologies, involving investors, and creating a different mindset towards technologies by linking them to the sustainable farming aspects that are needed for future farming.
- Contribute to food security by increasing the local production and availability of quality food products that are nutritious and safe and allow access to premium markets.
