Autumn is an important season for Bulgarian nursery Nanovski Nursery, so how are they doing at the moment? Managing director Marin Genurov, explains that demand is there and growing, but that inflation is a challenge. However, it is not withholding them from investing in new machines and techniques. Lately, for example, they invested in a weed control machine and are working on a program to implement artificial lighting. In this article more about this technology driven nursery, the market, the challenges and their future plans.
Wide range of annuals and perennials
At Nanovski Nursery they grow several annuals and perennials on nearly 2ha, consisting of a 1,5 ha heated greenhouse which is used for the cultivation of dianthus, cyclamen, primula, and bellis and 0.425 ha outdoor area which is used for the production of conifers, viola, clematis, and decorative grasses. “The seedlings are supplied by companies from the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and even New Zealand. Every year, we select new varieties, just to keep up with the trends.” The plants are being mainly sold on national level to non-food chains and to a large part of the municipalities in the country for the greening of the urban environment. The bare root trees are being exported to Romania. All plants are sold under the Nanovsky brand.
“No year without us introducing a new technique”
Since its very inception, Nanovski Nursery is always adding new techniques and machines, not only to improve quality and efficiency, also because they are eco-oriented. “We haven’t had a year without us introducing a new technique. Our heating system, for example does not use Fossil Fuels, but pallets made from shelled (peeled) sunflower, we have an irrigation system that is oriented towards saving water sources, we utilize a rainwater harvesting system and we have a processing line that has a capacity of 50-60.000 seedlings a day. And not to forget any plastic waste is collected and sent for recycling.”
Lately, they invested in a weed control machine. “This alternative control technique enables us to reduce the use of pesticides and in turn become a more environmentally friendly company.” Also, they are working on a program to implement artificial lightning to help them in the winter months with sufficient light to improve the quality of the final product.
Challenges
According to Genurov, inflation is one of the major challenges at the moment. “We see it all over Europe, prices are increasing. Also, the cost price is increasing due to inflation. However, we try to keep them low, to stay competitive. “For us, it is very important to be a stable and sustainable partner. We do not want to compromise on quality. It is at the expense of smaller profits in the short term, but in the long term, it is a request for stability. And fortunately, we still see the demand is growing”, he says.
Another challenge they are dealing with is the fact that they are not being supported by either the European subsidies or the state budget. “We understand that our production is not food, but after all, flowers and plants are one of the most important elements of ecosystems without which pollinators cannot exist. In this regard, we think that we are neglected by the Common Agricultural Policy, which in the last program period is aimed specifically at improving biodiversity and increasing interventions under eco schemes. We invested in the weed control machine for example, which is in line with their aim of reducing the use of pesticides, but we did not receive any support.”
Future plans
When looking at the future, Nanovsky Nursery has not only plans to invest in artificial lighting, they also plan to expand. “In the near future, we are planning to expand the area that is currently not sufficient for the purpose of growing bare root trees or root balling trees.”
For more information
Nanovski Nursery
Marin Genurov
Email: [email protected]
www.razsadniknanovski.bg