Brabant Plant about Normec Groen Agro Control
How Brabant Plant works with Normec Groen Agro Control to ensure consistently high quality
As a company specialized in the cultivation of young plants, Brabant Plant is dedicated to providing optimal growing conditions for its customers. “We offer ideal conditions such as temperature, humidity, nutrients, and protection against diseases, so that the plants reach our customers with the highest quality,” says Arno van den Bogert, cultivation specialist at Brabant Plant. “To ensure this quality, we work together with Normec Groen Agro Control, part of Normec Foodcare. Normec performs various analyses for us: residue analyses, soil and water analyses, nutrient analyses, and microbiological analyses.”
Weekly analyses
Arno explains: “Every week, Normec Groen Agro Control collects samples from our site. These samples are analyzed in the laboratory for aspects such as the composition of soil and water. After the analysis, we receive a clear report with the results. This gives us insight into the health of the crop, allows us to collect data, and enables us to take immediate action and make adjustments if necessary. For example, we use nutrient analyses to assess the level of nutrients in the soil or to check for residues in soil and water. Based on the results, we determine whether additional nutrients are needed or if we need to adjust our fertilization schedule. Fortunately, unexpected results are rare. Because we take and analyze samples weekly, we can respond quickly to small changes and know exactly which adjustments are needed. This gives us a clear picture of the cultivation, resulting in a healthy and strong crop for our customers.”
About Brabant Plant
Reliability as a Key Pillar
“Our customers expect a reliable product from us. They trust that we deliver plants of consistently high quality. As a propagation company, we must supply plants that our clients can continue to work with without surprises. Many of our customers have been with us for generations—often the second or even third generation. We value trustworthy and long-term partnerships with our clients.” Joost van Buul, responsible for cultivation, adds: “I’ve been working here for 33 years, and throughout all those years, we’ve partnered with Normec Groen Agro Control. It is essential that we can rely on the quality of our partners. By having our samples analyzed at Normec, we benefit from the latest technologies and methodologies. Together, we ensure consistent quality in our products.”
The Importance of Fertilization and Substrate Analysis
“By analyzing fertilization and substrate, we gain insight into the exact nutritional needs of our crops. These analyses allow us to apply the right amount of fertilizers and nutrients to stimulate optimal growth and development. This results in the production of high-quality plants that meet our customers’ expectations. By investigating which nutrients are already present in the substrate, we also use fertilizers more efficiently.”
Years of Fruitful Collaboration
Both Joost and Arno are very satisfied with the partnership. Joost says: “Reliability is essential, and Normec Groen Agro Control absolutely meets our expectations. Thanks to our long-term collaboration, I know many colleagues within the organization. They’re always ready to support us, no matter what our needs are. For example, Tuesday is our regular day for sample pickup. If we have extra samples, it just takes one call, and it’s arranged.” Arno adds: “Although we don’t have a fixed contact person, our communication with the reception and the lab always runs smoothly. The colleagues there are easily accessible and always ready to help with questions or advice. If results require clarification, we always receive expert guidance with the report. For us, it’s a fruitful collaboration that we’re happy to continue in the future.”