Pioneering. One word can sum up what Johan van Egmond has been doing in recent years. For two and a half years, the young Bleiswijk-based grower has been testing matricaria cultivation on water.
Not only does this make the whole process more efficient, the savings on energy, water and fertilisers are most important to Johan.
'If your footprint soon means whether or not you can join a florist's sustainable bouquet, we'll make sure our matricaria is included. We are preparing our product for the future!'
Matricaria is basically still grown in the ground. It is a fragile flower, which makes the whole process from planting to harvesting labour-intensive. Simply pulling out the flower and pulling it through the mesh is out of the question; it would damage the leaves. No, the netting is carefully hoisted up and the matric branch is cut short above the ground. Do we still see ourselves on our knees in the future? Van Egmond asked himself that question regularly. The answer was not long in coming. Because that, and the whole sustainability issue, made the new generation decide to continue developing.
At first glance, there is little to like about the chamomile patch. The little white flowers stand jauntily side by side, ready to be harvested. But appearances are deceptive. Johan carefully takes apart some flowers and emerges with a rectangular styropor tray with small square holes in it. Matricaria plants grow up from the holes. Down grow roots of 50cm or sometimes even longer. Johan is not yet completely satisfied with the trays. But that too is being worked on.
'So much time goes into it. Not only in testing and growing the crop, but I also spend the necessary hours behind my desk. Requesting quotations from suppliers - what is the best and most sustainable tray, at the best price - because I prefer to offer my matricaria on water for a normal price, of course!'
Van Egmond finances his project with the help of subsidies. People are simply not (yet) willing to pay more for the matricaria of the future. Fortunately, Johan's enthusiasm is contagious. Suppliers think along and come up with their own initiatives.
What do the buyers and customers of those buyers notice, for instance, about the quality of the camomile?
'They don't notice anything at all. And that sometimes makes it difficult to market the flowers. If you mention it, people are cautious. Then they prefer to play it safe and choose the ordinary camomile. But not saying anything at all is not what you want either. On the contrary, it is a progress you want to share.'
Johan chuckles softly. 'I gave it to a customer on the sly once. To prove him wrong. He didn't notice a thing!'
Circles has listed the impact of water-grown matricaria:
No change in flower quality
Less labour intensive: no more harvesting on the knees, the matricaria can soon be moved in the tray by conveyor belts
No or little fertiliser is lost - the matricaria absorbs what it needs. Fertiliser levels in the water are measured regularly and topped up where necessary. As a result, 20% less fertiliser is used
20% less water is consumed. The matricaria drinks what it needs, nothing goes to waste
Soil steaming to disinfect the soil is not necessary, this accounts for significant savings in CO2. To date, there have been no problems with bacteria, viruses and the like in the water
In times of summer drought, it is possible to create a water buffer by temporarily raising the water level of the matricaria
By pumping around, the water in the matricaria basin lasts for years. To date, Johan has been using the same water for over 2.5 years
On top of that, Van Egmond packs all his matricaria in a bamboo sleeve. Not only can the sleeve be discarded with the waste paper after use, but this way of packaging also ensures that the bunch is less likely to become blemished. Something the delicate stems and leaves are normally sensitive to.
Are there any? Yes indeed, although these are generally for Van Egmond himself.
'Growing in this way carries risks. If the water somehow gets contaminated by pests or a faulty organism, it spreads quickly through the water. Then you can start all over again.'
Not for nothing does he consult regularly with Vertify, one of the Netherlands' leading agricultural research centres.
'There are still plenty of things to figure out. For example: is it better to heat the air around the matricaria or the water? Are white or black trays better?'
At the end of 2024, a decision will be made on how to proceed with water cultivation.
Circles will keep you up to date on all developments surrounding matricara cultivation on water. Because, don't we all want to keep putting that little flower on the table with a good feeling? Want to know more? You can find information about the Product of the Future here.