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Our greenhouse is located in the centre of The Netherlands near the town of Utrecht just to the south of the “Utrechtse Heuvelrug”. Only few greenhouses are to be found in this area. The majority of the surrounding farms keep livestock in open pastures. Historically this land used to be an old river bed, which means that the soil is very fertile.

My father, Wim van Dijk started in 1964 to farm fruit and vegetables. When he discovered organic, he decided to change his agricultural practices and soon thereafter he adopted bio-dynamic principles on his farm. In fact, my father was the very first organic greenhouse grower in Europe! In 1995 I took over the farm from him and started with 1,000 m2 greenhouse production to extend the season for his vegetables. Over the years the greenhouse has been gradually extended to 21,000 m2. The main crops today are tomatoes, two varieties of aubergines, bell peppers and Ramiro peppers. A small area of plum trees remains by the entrance to the greenhouse.

To avoid the spread of diseases between crops, the greenhouse has been subdivided into four units, which makes it more manageable, but it requires extra work and attention. The greenhouse has been equipped with an insulation shield, a horizontal curtain, which is closed every night to keep in the heat and thus preserve energy.

In 2007 we set up a second operation in Andel with 2 ha of greenhouses, where we grow the same products as in Schalkwijk. I currently work with a team of about twenty full time employees.