Sustainable and socially responsible business practices: Van den Belt tomato nursery as an example for the horticultural sector
The horticultural sector is rapidly evolving, becoming more sustainable and socially responsible. According to Orance – Grow Light Architects, this is well underway, as many horticultural entrepreneurs are actively working to make the sector greener while taking on their social responsibilities. This is also true for Van den Belt B.V. Tomato Nursery, a company that not only focuses on making its growing processes more sustainable but also contributes to society by creating job opportunities for people with disabilities.
After assisting with the selection of a suitable LED grow light system for the new build, Arno, co-owner of Orance, visited Van den Belt’s nursery to see the results and evaluate the project. Upon arrival, he was not only impressed by the design of the modern greenhouse but especially by the social workplace created for people with disabilities. Van den Belt sees this workplace as an essential part of their vision: providing a job for everyone. “Students, permanent staff, and people with disabilities all work together here,” says Rianne van den Belt.
Philabelt: A workplace for all
In collaboration with Philadelphia, an organization that supports people with disabilities, Van den Belt founded the social workplace Philabelt three years ago. The workplace, located in the nursery’s new building, is equipped with a professional kitchen and offers a wide range of products, including lunches, products for sale, and even tomato soup for the nursery’s staff. All ingredients come from the nursery itself or local growers. There is also a laundry service where the company’s workwear is cleaned, which helps maintain strict hygiene protocols to prevent tomato diseases. The employees therefore make valuable contributions to the company.
The idea for the social workplace came when Jacob, the owner of Van den Belt, visited a nursery where people with disabilities ran the canteen. Jacob was so excited about the concept that he inspired his wife Rianne. “It’s strange that we provide work for everyone – full-time employees, students, and migrant workers – but not for people with intellectual disabilities,” was the thought shared by Rianne and Jacob.
From idea to reality
During the pandemic, the first step was taken to realize this idea. Rianne started by delivering tomatoes to social workplaces that could use them as ingredients in their kitchen. But it soon became clear that it was time for the next step. She converted the technical space into a real workplace, complete with all necessary facilities and amenities, ensuring that it was separate from the rest of the business for the required peace. “It’s nice to see how our other employees reacted. The interaction was very natural, and when an issue had to be solved in the workplace, they were eager to help,” says Rianne van den Belt.
Proud of horticultural sector
“It was amazing to see, especially how proud Jacob was during the tour. After a guidance project, it’s always nice to see the final result. The way the nursery is set up with attention to the employees and the social aspect they’ve initiated is impressive,” says Arno Wartewig from Orance. “The horticultural sector sometimes unfairly gets a bad reputation due to how some companies treat their people, but this is only a small number of cases. It’s important to show the positive examples, like at Van den Belt, which really make a difference. We are proud of such initiatives in the sector and are happy to give a platform to these kinds of stories.”
The shift to LED
In 2024, Van den Belt wanted to invest in a new grow light system for their new six-hectare building. Jacob van den Belt explains, “Maurice Hartman from Hortivision pointed us to Orance. The knowledge and expertise the company has were invaluable during the purchase process for the LED installation.” Choosing the right fixtures is crucial. Jacob adds, “In the process, you don’t want to compare apples with pears, but apples with apples. Orance has the knowledge and experience in this market and asks the right questions. The large area that needs to be illuminated leads to a significant investment, and you don’t want to take any risks. You want to be happy with what you buy, and you simply can’t keep up with the fast-moving developments in LED technology.”
The developments within Van den Belt are a great example of how the horticultural sector is not only focusing on sustainability but also taking socially responsible business practices seriously. Entrepreneurs like Van den Belt look beyond business goals and want to make a positive impact on society.
