A POLICY FOR EFFICIENT USE OF ENERGY IN DUTCH GLASSHOUSE-INDUSTRIES

The Netherlands or Holland has an area of about 40.000 km² with about 15 million inhabitants, resulting in an average population density of about 375 inhabitants per km². About 2 million hectares is in use for agricultural practice of which 10.000 hectares for glasshouse production (i.e. 0,5%). Holland has a coastline with the North Sea and as the North Sea is connected with the Atlantic Ocean there exists a mild maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers.
This climate is rather favourable for the production of most horticultural crops and makes it possible to crop greenhouses right through the year.
However poor winter light conditions give limitations on cropping in winter.
The geographical position of the Netherlands is quite favourable as it is situated near to the industrial centres of Western Europe with large densely populated areas.
In Western Europe nowadays excellent road facilities exist for a rapid transport of the products to the most important consumer centres.
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Dutch economy.
Arable farming and animal husbandry are importand sectors besides horticulture.
About 80% of the horticultural production is exported, mainly to Germany.

European Seminar New Technologies for the Rational Use of Energy in Greenhouse Horticulture in Northern Europe

M.L.E. Jansen

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1992.312.1