About us
What is World Horti Center?
World Horti Center is the global knowledge and innovation centre for international greenhouse horticulture. It’s a place where businesses, education, research and public authorities innovate, connect, inspire and share knowledge together. Their work focuses on finding solutions to relevant social issues such as water, the supply of food, food safety, well-being and sustainability. Every year World Horti Center welcomes around 30,000 visitors from all over the world who come to gather inspiration and ideas from the knowledge and innovation on offer here.
World Horti Center is made up of the MBO Westland secondary vocational college, Vertify, WHC Expo bv and the Municipality of Westland. Together with the participants, these organisations form the leading knowledge and innovation centre for international greenhouse horticulture and together put the sector firmly on the map. They also ensure that it continues to innovate and maintain its lead. For example, World Horti Center is home to a research centre with 39 greenhouse compartments run by Vertify. Research, businesses and education come together here to conduct research. World Horti Center also has a learning environment for worldwide talent, where we work with leading knowledge institutions, particularly those specialising in green issues. Around 1,200 students attend study programmes at MBO Westland here every day.
Origins
Dutch (greenhouse) horticulture leads the world in professionalism, quality and innovation and is therefore part of the national Topsectorenbeleid (policy on leading sectors).
Horticulture is essential to the Dutch economy and strengthening this sector even further is a main objective of the Topsectorenbeleid. This includes a good and contemporary education and knowledge structure of international standing. The implementation of the Topsectorenbeleid is governed by the Human Capital Agenda.
An important part of Dutch (greenhouse) horticulture is concentrated in the Westland, Oostland and Barendrecht regions. Companies that together form the Greenport Horti Campus operate in the fields of breeding, supply, cultivation, trade, logistics, business services and engineering.
In order to ensure the long-term economic position of the Greenport and to pick up new opportunities – both nationally and internationally – an action plan has been drawn up: Business Plan Greenport Horti Campus 2012-2015, which is also the Human Capital Agenda for Westland, Oostland and Barendrecht.
This program provides education and training opportunities for students and employees. It also emphasizes knowledge & innovation, internationalisation and improving the image of the sector.
One of the objectives of the Greenport Horti Campus is network and campus formation with strong local agendas and inspirational facilities in Westland, Oostland and Barendrecht.
Mission and vision
Mission
World Horti Center is the breeding ground for innovation in the horticulture industry, where inspiring, connecting and knowledge sharing are key. We do this by having education, research, businesses and public authorities work together closely.
Vision
A greener world with a sustainable food supply for everyone.
Team
Meet the faces behind World Horti Center! If you’re planning a visit to World Horti Center soon, there’s a chance you may meet one or more of them in person. Do you have a question for someone on the team? Then get in touch by email or phone.
Photo’s are available soon.