The Netherlands
November 19, 2014

Koppert Biological Systems is to cooperate with Urban Farmers AG, a Swiss company which is a pioneer in city farming. Urban Farmers is making use of Koppert's knowledge in a new urban farming project at the De Schilde building in The Hague. The De Schilde building will become home to a production company that will produce sustainable vegetables and fish for the local market.

 
In entering into this cooperation, Koppert will be making a contribution to the development of urban farming. This growth market exhibits a great demand for knowledge about clean, safe and sustainable cultivation techniques. The cooperation with Urban Farmers will not only focus on natural enemies, beneficial microorganisms and biostimulants, as we, in our role as a horticultural supplier, will also work on the production of insects as fish feed. 'This project will demonstrate the opportunities Koppert has on offer,' Maren Schoormans, Koppert's Sales Manager for the Netherlands, explains. 'We will be able to show society and consumers the opportunities our integrated system offers to everyone who wishes to improve the health, resilience and productivity of crops.'
 
A growing phenomenon

De Schilde is Urban Farmers' fourth project after projects in Basel, Zurich and Berlin. The Hague was selected in view of its proximity to Westland, which Urban Farmers perceives as a centre of green innovation. Urban Farmers has not only drawn up a viable business case: the project also offers an opportunity to present all the facilities of high-grade, natural food production to the city's residents. Maren Schoormans continues, 'Urban Farmers' De Schilde generates attention for the benefits offered by local food production and, with the greenhouse on the roof, for the opportunities offered by modern greenhouse and cultivation technology. The general public, despite of projects such as Kom in de Kas ('Come into the greenhouse') and other demonstration projects, is still insufficiently aware of these benefits. Urban farming is a phenomenon that is attracting a great deal of attention all over the world. We, with our specialized knowledge, are pleased to put our back into this development.'

Website: http://www.koppert.com

Published: November 19, 2014