At the end of January, a new demonstration greenhouse will officially open in Grootvlei, an area close to Johannesburg in South Africa. Dutch companies including Seed2Feed, Holland Greentech, Svensson, Control Union, Bosmans van Zaal, Rijk Zwaan and, during the initial phase, Delphy, contributed hardware, expertise and technology. The greenhouse is designed as a hands-on demonstration facility that will support training programmes, research activities and practical demonstrations for the local sector.
The greenhouse covers half a hectare and was developed through the RVO combitrack programme "Future-Oriented Horticulture" in Grootvlei. In practical terms, it will function as a training and demonstration centre focused on sustainable agriculture and horticulture, showing how modern greenhouse technology and knowledge can be applied under South African conditions.
© Agroberichten Buitenland
Together with Bernard Likalimba (r.) and Eskom employees in front of the demo greenhouse in Grootvlei
From coal to horticulture
Evert Jan Krajenbrink, who started as an LVVN council at the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria in August 2025, says: "The demonstration center is not the end of the project, on the contrary. When the coal power plant is permanently closed in 2027, the entire area around the plant will be adapted for sustainable horticulture. That will create even more employment. In short, the project has significant societal importance, particularly in the region where an Eskom power plant is closing and a lot of unemployment threatens."
In addition to the opening in Grootvlei, he wants to further expand horticulture activities in the coming years. According to him, there are plenty of opportunities for Dutch companies. "We are in the same time zone, the season is opposite, the infrastructure and knowledge level are good, and South Africa is directly accessible by flight. Many seed companies and growers are already here. In fact, there are opportunities for everyone."
Recently, Krajenbrink received a delegation from the NAJK (Dutch Agricultural Youth Contact) visiting South Africa as part of the agricultural workgroup to support the establishment of a South African agricultural youth organization AYWB (Agricultural Youth Without Borders). :The intention is to give young farmers here a platform with the government, and next year to establish their own organization in the Cape region."
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland
