Proeftuin Zwaagdijk

Proeftuin Zwaagdijk (Agricultural Research Centre)
During recent years the Proeftuin Zwaagdijk has developed into one of the most important agricultural research centres carrying out practical research in the Netherlands. The Proeftuin Zwaagdijk has a nationwide network with locations in North Holland and in the Westland, and trials fields at 100 locations spread over the whole of the Netherlands ( from Limburg to Groningen). Proeftuin Zwaagdijk is a flexible organisation which offers high quality practical research which can immediately be applied by those who have commissioned the research.

 
Location Zwaagdijk                                                                                  Location Honselersdijk



Mission and business relations
Proeftuin Zwaagdijk, as a professional organization for practically based research, aims to spearhead innovations and thus stimulate satisfactory developments in horticulture and agriculture. The relationship with customers is based on clear contracts concerning the responsibilities of Proeftuin Zwaagdijk. We regard the management of our relationship with our customers as the critical factor for success for good service and continuation of the relationship.  
 


GLP
The GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) certificate enables  Proeftuin Zwaagdijk to carry out residue research. Proeftuin Zwaagdijk has plenty of experience in research into residue information of crop protection products with different crops. The continual development of new sampling techniques is essential. 
 


GEP
Proeftuin Zwaagdijk is specialised in carrying out research for manufacturers for the admission of their crop protection products. The GEP (Good Experimental Practice) certificate of the Plantkundige Dienst allows this to be done.




ISO certificate
Proeftuin Zwaagdijk has developed a quality care system in order to guarantee the quality of the research. For this the ISO-9002 certificate was awarded in 1999. Later followed by the IS0-9001. Proeftuin Zwaagdijk is the only private and independent agriculture research centre in the Netherlands with an ISO-certificate.








Location and General information   
The company in Zwaagdijk is situated in North Holland between important agricultural areas such as Het Grootslag, AgriportA7 and Seed valley. There is 18 ha of land ( partly organic) of which 6,000 m2 is glasshouse. Proeftuin Zwaagdijk also has 20 storage cells and 4 modern chicory forcing cells. In the Westland (Honselerdijk) there is also 3,000 m2 of glasshouse and additional areas for research and demonstration. There are 40 ftu’s working at Proeftuin Zwaagdijk.









History 

The experimental horticultural station in Zwaagdijk was started in 1986. From 1990 onwards the government reduced funding for practical research. As a result agricultural research was radically changed nationwide. Proeftuin Zwaaagdijk was to be closed due to this reorganisation. The governing body of Proeftuin Zwaagdijk decided to continue from 1st January 1997 as an independent, private foundation. The business has already greatly developed and has established its place as a research and information centre.