Published on 04/10/2021
Cultivators were present at the first GreenTech 2021 at Amsterdam RAI since the pandemic. After a long-winded period of online meetings, it was an absolute pleasure to meet up with colleagues, clients, and friends again. GreenTech, in its new form, combining online and offline elements, was a success!
GreenTech was only 25% of its original size, as due to COVID and travel restrictions, it was unsure how many visitors could and would be allowed to visit. The early morning of the first day of GreenTech began with a small number of people arriving. However, the convention centre filled up around noon as horticultural enthusiasts came to visit the stands and attend the various presentations.
Presentations were given by multiple companies within the horticulture industry, held at the Xpert Theatre. A couple of these sessions were hosted by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators). Presentations were given by various speakers, followed by a Q&A. Visitors, both online and offline, could pose their questions. Making the presentations highly interactive.
The second day surpassed the number of visitors and interactions of the first day. In the afternoon, the presentations were focused on Medicinal Cannabis. Hosted by Sonny Moerenhout, with a focus on both online & offline interaction with visitors.
Medicinal Cannabis presentations were:
Delphy (René Corsten) discussed the optimisation of medicinal cannabis production. Temperatures should be adjusted to match the given radiation to prevent energy dissipation. Additionally, the importance of calcium in preventing botrytis was highlighted. Calcium strengthens the cell wall and is an immobile nutrient that requires transport by mass flow. For this reason, transpiration should be promoted by removing moisture from the indoor environment.
Grodan (Ben Nikaj) followed up on the optimisation of medicinal cannabis production by discussing the root environment. The root environment can be best controlled through five key factors: water, nutrients, pH, oxygen content, and ‘biolife’. Cannabis requires different irrigation strategies throughout its lifecycle.
Koppert (Jennette Douma) clarifies how biological control can secure optimised cannabis cultivation through biological solutions. Koppert has developed a product against the cannabis aphid (Phorodon humuli). In addition to this, Koppert is developing circular sticky traps that can be placed on the growing substrate to prevent infection by root aphids (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale).
The presentations were closed off by the Legal Cannabis Coalition (Arno Hazekamp). The LCC is developing a method to protect plant genetics by establishing a Plant Passport. The profile through which the passport is set up consists of a DNA analysis in combination with chemical data, breeding history, and pictures. In addition, the LCC has noticed that the data derived from chemical analysis varies between laboratories.
On the second day, the European Cannabis Industry was further discussed at the Vision Stage, hosted by Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators). Together with Fluence by Osram (Timo Bongartz), 3C Consultancy (Nic Easley), and Urban Gro (Brad Nattras), we discussed market insights, challenges, and opportunities for the European market in the coming years.
The European market itself is still in its infancy, with a market report of only half a billion Euros, and a projected growth rate of 30% over the next 5 years. Further development of the market depends on the licence size for production, the size of the market, and whether doctors will prescribe. Lessons learned from the American market include not cutting corners when it comes to facility design and collaborating with professionals within the field to be ready for first market entry when legislation is introduced.
Although production costs are lower around the equator, European countries can compete effectively when their business model, value proposition, and route to market are carefully constructed. The market will focus more on quality than on kilograms; a shift is expected from kilograms per square metre to active compounds per square metre.
The last day of GreenTech was dedicated to networking, and no presentations were given. The final day allowed colleagues, clients, and friends to reflect on the previous days at GreenTech while enjoying appetisers and drinks provided by GreenTech. On a special note, our newest addition to the team, Mexx Holweg, graduated live from Wageningen University & Research (MSc in Plant Sciences) during the networking event.
For Cultivators, it was a great experience in catching up again and assisting our partners in growing business. Although it has been quite some time since we last met in person, the GreenTech felt natural to us, and we are sincerely looking forward to seeing all of you at our booth at Greentech 2022!
