Dutch greenhouse horticulture expertise brought to Australia to protect against extreme weather

The collaboration focuses on practical knowledge sharing between growers, clients and specialists in Australia and the Netherlands: how to strengthen greenhouses, limit damage and help businesses better withstand extreme weather. Achmea Farm Insurance is working closely with Hagelunie to bring that expertise to the sector.

“At Achmea, we are pleased to be working with growers and the wider sector in Australia to help strengthen business resilience, thereby contributing to Australian food production,” said Marie Groenhof, Global Head of Greenhouse Horticulture at Achmea.

Key role for greenhouses

The collaboration brings together Achmea’s expertise in insurance and prevention with the strong industry leadership of Protected Cropping Australia, the national industry body for the sector. Hagelunie’s specialist knowledge of risks in greenhouse horticulture will help growers better protect their greenhouses, employees, crops and infrastructure.

In Australia, a growing share of food is produced in greenhouses and other protected environments, can improve food production efficiency under the right conditions. The sector is worth more than € 2.7 billion and plays an important role in food supply and employment.

The Netherlands is a global leader in greenhouse horticulture

A key part of the collaboration is sharing knowledge and experience, drawing on international examples and practical solutions. Expertise from leading greenhouse horticultural countries, such as the Netherlands, is being shared with Australian growers. This includes knowledge on future-proof and resilient greenhouse structures that are better able to withstand climate risks such as extreme rainfall, storms, heat and drought. It also covers safe business operations, with a focus on successfully and safely implementing innovations that contribute to sustainable and efficient cultivation methods.

Through this collaboration, Australian growers gain better insight into how to strengthen their businesses and adapt to a changing climate. This aligns with growers’ need not only to insure against damage but, above all, to prevent it. At the same time, Hagelunie also gains valuable knowledge and practical experience from Australia through this collaboration, further strengthening its international expertise in greenhouse horticulture.

Through the partnership with Achmea Farm Insurance and Protected Cropping Australia, Achmea underlines the importance of working with partners to reduce risks, share knowledge and help growers respond to climate-related and other risks.