Grodan

This aricle details Grodan, a growing media company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Joyce Rasquin, Business Development Manager at Grodan.

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How does Grodan differentiate itself in the growing media industry?

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Grodan stands out through our comprehensive root zone management solution, which includes more than just growing media. We provide advanced sensors to monitor root zone conditions, a digital platform for data analysis, and expert advice and services. This integrated approach, backed by over 50 years of industry experience and continuous knowledge development through collaborations with trial stations and universities, sets us apart. Our focus on innovation and adapting to new cultivars, diseases, and global trends ensures that our knowledge remains current and valuable.

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What are Grodan's future challenges and objectives?

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Our focus is on two key areas: our 'handprint' and 'footprint'. The 'handprint' involves collaborating with the sector to promote growth, requiring investments and knowledge expansion in controlled environmental agriculture. Our 'footprint' addresses the sustainability of our products, focusing on eco-design and production improvements. We aim to balance sector growth with sustainable practices, nurturing talent, and driving innovation in substrate production.

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What are your thoughts on indoor soil use for taste and quality compared to growing media?

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The choice between soil and substrates like stonewool depends on the grower's objectives. Stonewool substrates, being pathogen-free, offer control and flexibility in crop steering for desired outcomes, whether it's quantity or flavor. With proper management, stone wool can achieve excellent results, potentially surpassing soil in terms of yield and quality. Its clean nature also benefits crop management operations.

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Could you elaborate on Grodan's history and specialty?

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Grodan began about 50 years ago, driven by two parallel developments: the Dutch government's prohibition of soil disinfection and a production mishap at our parent company, which led to the discovery that plants could grow on certain insulation materials. This sparked the creation of our stonewool substrate, designed to allow growers to precisely control water and nutrient delivery for higher yields and resource efficiency. Our technology includes sensors and a digital platform for substrate management. Over the years, we've built extensive knowledge and provide technical support, contributing to our reputation as a leader in sustainable growing solutions.

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How often do customers reorder your product?

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Reorder frequency varies based on crop type and location. Some customers enter multi-year contracts, while others prefer new deliveries for each crop cycle. Logistics and recent global supply chain issues also influence ordering patterns. We aim to accommodate different customer needs, considering their proximity to production sites and specific crop requirements.

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What global trends are you observing in crop popularity?

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Traditionally, our major focus has been on vine crops and cannabis. Recently, there's been a significant increase in indoor lettuce cultivation. Strawberries are emerging as a new focus due to challenges in outdoor growing, such as labor and disease issues, and changing water regulations. We're also observing growing interest in other soft fruits, reflecting consumer demand for fresh and healthy produce.

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Since joining Grodan, what have been your key learnings?

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Working in controlled environment agriculture has been incredibly inspiring. This sector's rate of innovation and commitment to sustainable produce is remarkable yet under-recognized. The complexity of using plants instead of machines for production presents intriguing challenges. Understanding the intricate interplay of light, humidity, temperature, and nutrients in plant growth has been a fascinating and enriching experience.

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What scale and reach does Grodan have?

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As part of the Rockwool organization, specific figures on employees and customers are not disclosed. However, we operate three production locations worldwide, are active in 70 countries, and have production staff in 15 countries. This global presence underlines our commitment to providing sustainable growing solutions across diverse regions and markets.

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Where can people learn more about Grodan?

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Those interested in learning more about Grodan can start with our website.

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