Sign up today!

Join 5,000+ getting free content like this straight to your inbox.

    Grodan

    This aricle details Grodan, a growing media company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Joyce Rasquin, Business Development Manager at Grodan.

    Source: Grodan

    How does Grodan differentiate itself in the growing media industry?

    Grodan stands out through our comprehensive root zone management solution, which includes more than just growing media. We provide advanced sensors to monitor root zone conditions, a digital platform for data analysis, and expert advice and services. This integrated approach, backed by over 50 years of industry experience and continuous knowledge development through collaborations with trial stations and universities, sets us apart. Our focus on innovation and adapting to new cultivars, diseases, and global trends ensures that our knowledge remains current and valuable.

      Source: Grodan

      What are Grodan's future challenges and objectives?

      Our focus is on two key areas: our 'handprint' and 'footprint'. The 'handprint' involves collaborating with the sector to promote growth, requiring investments and knowledge expansion in controlled environmental agriculture. Our 'footprint' addresses the sustainability of our products, focusing on eco-design and production improvements. We aim to balance sector growth with sustainable practices, nurturing talent, and driving innovation in substrate production.

      Source: Grodan

      What are your thoughts on indoor soil use for taste and quality compared to growing media?

      The choice between soil and substrates like stonewool depends on the grower's objectives. Stonewool substrates, being pathogen-free, offer control and flexibility in crop steering for desired outcomes, whether it's quantity or flavor. With proper management, stone wool can achieve excellent results, potentially surpassing soil in terms of yield and quality. Its clean nature also benefits crop management operations.

      Source: Grodan

      Could you elaborate on Grodan's history and specialty?

      Grodan began about 50 years ago, driven by two parallel developments: the Dutch government's prohibition of soil disinfection and a production mishap at our parent company, which led to the discovery that plants could grow on certain insulation materials. This sparked the creation of our stonewool substrate, designed to allow growers to precisely control water and nutrient delivery for higher yields and resource efficiency. Our technology includes sensors and a digital platform for substrate management. Over the years, we've built extensive knowledge and provide technical support, contributing to our reputation as a leader in sustainable growing solutions.

      Source: Grodan

      How often do customers reorder your product?

      Reorder frequency varies based on crop type and location. Some customers enter multi-year contracts, while others prefer new deliveries for each crop cycle. Logistics and recent global supply chain issues also influence ordering patterns. We aim to accommodate different customer needs, considering their proximity to production sites and specific crop requirements.

      Source: Grodan

      What global trends are you observing in crop popularity?

      Traditionally, our major focus has been on vine crops and cannabis. Recently, there's been a significant increase in indoor lettuce cultivation. Strawberries are emerging as a new focus due to challenges in outdoor growing, such as labor and disease issues, and changing water regulations. We're also observing growing interest in other soft fruits, reflecting consumer demand for fresh and healthy produce.

      Source: Grodan

      Since joining Grodan, what have been your key learnings?

      Working in controlled environment agriculture has been incredibly inspiring. This sector's rate of innovation and commitment to sustainable produce is remarkable yet under-recognized. The complexity of using plants instead of machines for production presents intriguing challenges. Understanding the intricate interplay of light, humidity, temperature, and nutrients in plant growth has been a fascinating and enriching experience.

      Source: Grodan

      What scale and reach does Grodan have?

      As part of the Rockwool organization, specific figures on employees and customers are not disclosed. However, we operate three production locations worldwide, are active in 70 countries, and have production staff in 15 countries. This global presence underlines our commitment to providing sustainable growing solutions across diverse regions and markets.

      Source: Grodan

      Where can people learn more about Grodan?

      Those interested in learning more about Grodan can start with our website.

      Asia Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

      Download the Free Sample Report

      Mark-Horler

      "For a target audience that is trying to understand the basics of vertical farming, this is a quality newsletter to subscribe to"

      - James Pateras, CEO, Modular Farms Australia

        North America Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

        Download The Free Sample Report

        Mark-Horler

        "The North America Vertical Farming Companies Report 2023 aggregates many sources of public information on many different companies so that you don't have to do the research yourself, it's worth the money and saves a lot of time"

        - John Ireland, CEO, NTP Technologies

          Europe Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

          Download the Free Sample Report

          Helen Andrew Spare Harvest

          "As a business development manager supporting the indoor agriculture, CEA, and food tech industries, I can say Urban Vine guides and their insider newsletter provide detailed information often difficult to find online."

          - Irena Lundberg, CleanTech Invest Stockholm

            Middle East Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

            Download the Free Sample Report

            Mark-Horler

            "As a marketing professional in the indoor agriculture industry, Urban Vine's newsletters, reports and guides are an excellent resource for keeping up-to-date with news and developments in vertical farming."

            - Steven Mitchell, Product Manager, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) UK

              All Indoor Farming Company Interviews

              Hans Premium Water

              January 16, 2024

              This article details Hans Premium Water, a water treatment company based in the United States. The interview is with Rick Cunningham, Chief Commercial Officer of Hans Premium Water. To learn more about Hans Premium Water and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Tekmara

              January 6, 2024

              This article details Tekmara, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Todd Kleperis, CEO of Tekmara. To learn more about Tekmara and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Intelligent Growth Solutions - IGS

              January 6, 2024

              This interview details IGS, an indoor farming technology based in Scotland. The interview is with Andy Penfold, Chief Marketing Officer at IGS. To learn more about IGS and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Signify

              January 8, 2024

              This article details Signify, the world leader in lighting headquartered in the Netherlands. The interview is with Anne Jancic, Global Segment Manager for vertical farming at Philips Horticulture LED Solutions. To learn more about Signify and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Priva

              December 19, 2023

              This article details Priva, a company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Fred Ruijgt, Manager Indoor Growing at Priva. To learn more about Priva and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Fermata

              December 17, 2023

              This article details Fermata, a plant monitoring software company based in Israel. The interview is with Valeria Kogan, CEO and founder of Fermata. To learn more about Fermata and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Nordic Greens

              December 17, 2023

              This article details Nordic Greens, a growing media company based in Denmark. The interview is with Mads Ulrik Pedersen, CEO of Nordic Greens. To learn more about Nordic Greens and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              GrowDirector

              December 17, 2023

              This interview details GrowDirector, an indoor farming technology company based in Israel. The interview is with Pavel Razbegaev, Business Development Manager at GrowDirector. To learn more about GrowDirector and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Little Leaf Farms

              December 17, 2023

              This interview details Little Leaf Farms, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms. To learn more about Little Leaf Farms and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview

              Biobest

              December 17, 2023

              This interview details Biobest, a global supplier of biological crop solutions based in Belgium. The interview is with Martin Zuijderwijk, Director of Technical Support Services at Biobest. To learn more about Biobest and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

              View Full Interview