Dutch hyacinth grower E.J. Hogervorst & Zonen from Noordwijkerhout is working with WDM on the development of a machine that can set hyacinths upright during planting. The development of the machine has reached the stage where a prototype can be built. To finance it, the company is looking for co-investors.
The reason for this initiative is the lack of sufficient seasonal workers for this work. "Until now, the thick sizes have been straightened by employees. This is done on loungers in a planting cart. Fewer and fewer people want to do this work. That's why we started thinking about a technical alternative a few years ago," says Klaas Hogervorst.
Principles of the machine
Several principles were formulated for the development of such a machine, such as equal production and planting pattern as with manual planting, profitability from 10-15 hectares, applicable for bulb sizes 11-20, and the same plant density as now. The built test module can realize almost all assumptions. At the cultivar level, experience has been gained with 'Pink Pearl' and mutants, 'Delft Blue' and 'Gipsy Queen,' accounting for a substantial part of the hyacinth assortment.
Investing together
Hogervorst has asked fellow growers to put in €10,000 per company to continue the process. "If that generates enough money, then a prototype can be built that will run in the 2024 planting season. If that goes satisfactorily, the first planting machine will be there in 2025. Those who make a deposit get the right of first purchase and a discount of the full deposit from the new price. Those who contribute but do not buy will get half the deposit back."
Demonstration and explanation
Companies that sign up will soon receive an invitation for a demonstration and an explanation of the conditions for participation. If 10 companies participate, the project can start. For more information on this project, email [email protected]