The demand for organic flower bulbs is greater than the supply, a situation that the largest Dutch organic bulb grower, Huiberts, has been aware of for several years. Expanding the cultivated area will be necessary, and ensuring succession is also crucial, as more than half of farming businesses lack a successor. The Huiberts family is known as a pioneer in the sector and aims to provide a solution. They are working hard in a future-proof business model, with the farming business' mission at the core.
John and Johanna Huiberts are looking forward to passing the torch
Expansion of organic flower bulb area is urgently needed
The demand for organic flower bulbs is increasing faster than current growers can handle. Over the past 5 years, the demand has grown by 200%, and it is expected to rise even further. Huiberts is the largest grower in the field of organic bulb cultivation. He sells about 75% of all organic flower bulbs produced in the Netherlands, both directly and indirectly. To continue meeting future demand, an expansion of the cultivated area will be necessary. "Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of organic garden plants and bulbs. We are very pleased with this, but at the same time, we also see that we are unable to meet the demand for organic bulbs. This is a pity, as it is affecting both sales and the opportunity for nature-inclusive crops to expand in the Netherlands," says Huiberts.
More demand than supply for organic flower bulbs
More than half of the farming businesses have no successor
An additional problem is that the sector is facing a shortage of successors. In 2023, the CBS estimated that out of all farming businesses with a manager aged 55 or older, a staggering 57% had no successor. This is due, in part, to high land prices, fluctuating politics, and unattractive prospects for young people in the profession (high debt, hard work, etc.). "We need to test other business models to make the sector more attractive to young growers and motivate them to take over our beautiful work. And that is exactly what we are going to do," says Huiberts.
More biodiversity thanks to organic cultivation
Solution: A model with the mission at the core
Huiberts is looking for a successor who will take over the organic cultivation of bulbs. "We want to offer new growers the opportunity to learn this beautiful profession, which is centered on the soil and nature, without them having to end up in deep debt. We are currently exploring alternative forms of business that should make it easier for young growers to take over the business. We call on entrepreneurs and growers interested in organic bulb cultivation to contact us."
The importance of organic bulbs
Dutch biodiversity has decreased by more than 75% in 50 years, and surface water no longer meets the required standards. The cultivation of conventional bulbs is under pressure due to pollution from the use of pesticides that end up in the soil and water. These toxins are also causing the soil life to die out. Cultivating organic flower bulbs results in more biodiversity, more soil life and purer water.
For more information:
Huiberts organic flower bulbs
www.huibertsbloembollen.nl