Brightlands Next Generation Farming innovation cluster and research facilities for future-proof horticulture

Venlo - The Brightlands Next Generation Farming project, initiated by Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo and Kronos Vitale, has received over €1.78 million in funding from the North Limburg Regional Deal. The project's mission is to establish a leading innovation cluster in which various parties work together to develop, test and implement progressive solutions. All this to strengthen the regional and Dutch agriculture and horticulture sector and prepare it for the challenges of tomorrow.

In these times of rapid change and challenges in food production and agriculture, there is a growing social need for sustainable solutions that make the agricultural sector future-proof. Within the horticultural sector, challenges regarding climate change, biodiversity and food security are high on the agenda. There is a need for new or adapted seeds for food crops with a focus on climate resilience and nutritional value, the development and application of green crop protection products with an eye on biodiversity, and reducing loss of horticultural products in the chain through better packaging, storage and transportation conditions.

Uniting forces and cooperation central to innovation cluster

There is a shared desire among entrepreneurs and researchers to tackle these challenges together. The 'Brightlands Next Generation Farming' innovation cluster combines forces to come up with innovative solutions to the challenges of climate-adaptive crops, the need for green crop protection and reducing losses in the chain. The innovation cluster does this by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, research & development and talent development within the horticultural sector. By investing together in innovation, talent development and knowledge sharing, the innovation cluster creates a future-proof and sustainable agri-food chain.

State-of-the-art research facilities at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo

In order to facilitate cluster collaboration in the project, five state-of-the-art research facilities will be realized within the project. A new facility to be built will include research laboratories for post-harvest physiology, product processing and packaging, green crop protection on seeds, disease-free seed production and a test facility for the further development of sustainable adjuvants for application on seeds. These state-of-the-art research facilities create an incubator where knowledge and innovation come together.

Initiators

The initiators behind the project are Kronos Vitale (penman), Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, Brightbox, Innoveins Seed Solutions and HAS Green Academy. The total investment in the innovation cluster and facilities is nearly €3.6 million. The private partners provide co-financing of over 50%.

Ambitions project Next Generation Farming

The ambition of the Next Generation Farming project is to grow into an internationally recognized center of innovation and expertise in the field of sustainable horticulture. The initiators state, "Our goal is to initiate groundbreaking research projects, inspire and support young talent, and develop sustainable solutions to the complex challenges facing the agri-food sector. Through the close cooperation between companies, knowledge institutions and governments, the initiative will not only strengthen the sector, but also have a positive impact on the environment, the economy, consumer health and contribute to a sustainable future for the agricultural sector in Limburg and beyond."