Meteor Systems, a Dutch horticultural technology firm, marked its impressive decade-long presence in China with a celebratory event at Fruit Logistica, joined by their longstanding partner and key player in the Chinese horticulture industry, Oritech. The milestone commemorates their collaborative efforts that began ten years ago, culminating in the realization of the first Meteor Systems project in China. A significant achievement that prompted Junyi Xu, a representative of Meteor Systems in China, to engage with Mrs. Wu Shaojuan of Oritech and Mr. Benson, a tomato grower at Joydon Farm and the first client in the region a decade ago.
The enduring partnership between Meteor Systems and Oritech has not only stood the test of time but has also evolved and expanded. According to Junyi Xu, “Last year, we signed for a new project with Oritech: a 35-hectare rose glasshouse in southern China.” This ambitious venture involves the integration of Dutch technology, showcasing a hydroponic cultivation system and precise irrigation systems within the expansive greenhouses.
The decision to cultivate roses in a high-tech environment stems from the recognition that traditional soil-based methods in the region often result in lower-quality flowers. Junyi Xu explains, “Roses grown in soil may have a shorter vase life, but a rose cultivated in a substrate exhibits stronger flowers with a longer lifespan.” Additionally, the innovative approach allows for the recycling of irrigation water through a gutter system, contributing to resource conservation by saving fertilizers and water.
The 35-hectare rose greenhouse, set in the southern region of China, is positioned as a pilot project with the aim of familiarizing local soil-based rose growers with advanced Dutch cultivation techniques. Junyi Xu expresses pride in their involvement, stating, “They can gradually integrate some of those techniques into their cultivation like climate control, hydroponic growing, and automation. So we are very proud to be a part of this project.”
The commencement of the greenhouse project aligns with the Chinese New Year, with the first roses set to be planted shortly. Junyi Xu highlights the optimal growing conditions in the chosen region, emphasizing its high altitude, abundant sunlight, and significant temperature variations between day and night. These factors collectively create an ideal environment for crop cultivation, setting the stage for a successful and innovative chapter in Meteor Systems’ continued journey in China.