Let op!
- 27-01-2026
- Grootvlei, South Africa
The opening of the Climate Smart Horticulture Center in Grootvlei is the result of a process that was initiated and led by the LVVN team in Pretoria in 2022.
The goal was to develop a concrete, repeatable example for the repurposing of Energy Transition, with climate-smart agriculture as an opportunity for alternative employment.
At the same time, this initiative contributes to the further development of the horticultural sector in South Africa.
The Netherlands has invested in market and water studies, policy preparation, the establishment of an impact cluster, and an incidental subsidy for the realization of a demonstration greenhouse. This commitment is intended to stimulate market development and follow-up investments.
The two key partners in South Africa are ESKOM and EARN. Grootvlei is strategically relevant to ESKOM because several power plants will be closing in the coming years and the organization is looking for models to repurpose sites in a socio-economic way. Grootvlei serves as a test case for broader application.EARN is the local implementation partner and is responsible for day-to-day implementation and training.
An impact cluster has been built up around Grootvlei with RVO, Dutch companies, and knowledge institutions in the field of climate-smart horticulture.
These parties supply technology and provide training for local participants. This positions the Netherlands as a knowledge and market partner with prospects for upscaling.
The impact cluster consists of:
Seed2Feed Foundation (lead partner), Holland Green Tech, Ridder, Bosman Van Zaal, Van der Hoeven, Van der Straaten Acampo, Svensson, and Control Union.