Foreword

Naktuinbouw is a precious asset and of crucial importance

When I was appointed chair of Naktuinbouw, it was striking just how many people congratulated me. This is because it is an important position and especially so as Naktuinbouw plays a vital role for national  and internation companies. It also has an excellent reputation and is of immense significance for the relevant sectors.

Upscaling

All the organisations that work for agriculture and horticulture in the Netherlands are faced with the growing size of their customers. Businesses that upscale also professionalise their operations. This in turn leads to different and new relationships. I see it as a challenge for Naktuinbouw to remain competitive within this new and evolving playing field in the coming years. To renew and innovate, but also remain pragmatic. To automate, but continue to understand the human element. To digitise, but remain easily accessible at the same time. To invest, but still remain affordable.

Bearing all these considerations in mind, the board approved an innovative technology plan. This plan states that in the years ahead, Naktuinbouw will focus on robotisation of the PCR test, combining image analysis with the possibilities offered by AI and deploy AI to predict pests and diseases. We also approved the first phase of an extension to the laboratory. Investing in these developments now will safeguard our ability to continue to offer a very broad spectrum of tests, to guarantee the quality of these tests and to continue developing new and improved tests for existing and new diseases. This will enable our customers to maintain global market access to key markets.

Cooperation

The public/private sector, which Naktuinbouw is part of, is vulnerable. As part of the public sector, you perform statutory tasks in a uniform, transparent, independent and timely manner. As part of the private sector, you must maintain support, be knowledgeable about the sector, maintain close contact, and so on. This not only applies to Naktuinbouw. We share the same responsibility with the other inspection authorities active in the agricultural sector. In this respect, cooperation is becoming increasingly important.

Pride

I believe that Naktuinbouw is a precious asset that is of crucial importance. I have also noticed that this belief is widely supported, certainly among the entire board, management and employees. There is a certain pride that translates into commitment and responsibility regarding our tasks. As the new chair, I am impressed by this sentiment.

Dirk Duijzer
Naktuinbouw Chairperson