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 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.

Tolweg 13