Innovation

VGT was the first cluster company (partnership) for greenhouse horticulture in Flanders. Innovation has been at the core of this collaboration from the start. For example, Bogaerts Greenhouse Logistics developed a completely new harvesting system at VGT Rijkevorsel, focusing on improving working conditions for staff and ensuring the quality of the bell peppers.

VGT Rijkevorsel generates heat and electricity in an environmentally friendly way. Two combined heat and power (CHP) units and solar panels provide the company with the necessary electricity, with the heat from the CHP units being used to warm the greenhouses. The flue gases are cleaned and injected into the greenhouses; the pepper plants convert the CO2 into oxygen. Additionally, VGT Rijkevorsel has installed 1,100 solar panels on the roof of the warehouse. Since only a small percentage of the electricity (2%) is used in the greenhouses, the rest of the electricity is fed into the grid, providing environmentally friendly power to up to 10,000 households.

VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen uses the latest harvesting systems from Bogaerts Greenhouse Logistics, focusing on the working conditions of the staff and the quality of the bell peppers. Recently, a new fully automated packing installation was invested in. The greenhouses in Westdorpe are 100% heated by the beneficial use of waste heat from the fertilizer factory Yara Sluiskil. VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen reuses CO2 from Yara, and the pepper plants convert this CO2 into oxygen through photosynthesis. Additionally, VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has installed 1,500 solar panels on the roof of the warehouse.

VGT opts for biological pest control. Beneficial insects are used to combat diseases and pests, aiming to achieve a biological balance.

VGT also reduces water consumption. The company has installed a fully closed system for collecting, disinfecting, and reusing irrigation water.

VGT has achieved the following certifications (among others): Global G.A.P. (quaility management system), Groen Label Kas (environmentally friendly greenhouses), Milieukeur (preliminary certification).