Van Paassen Chrysanten Commits to Sustainable Cultivation with Our Insect Screen Filter System

It was an investment that grower Jan van Paassen initially had doubts about. “We were hesitant at first. Do we really need this? Is it worth the investment?” he recalls. “But looking back, we probably should have done it sooner.”

In the summer of 2024, our insect screen filter system was installed at two growing locations of Van Paassen Chrysanten in Andijk. It was an investment that grower Jan van Paassen initially had doubts about. “We were hesitant at first. Do we really need this? Is it worth the investment?” he recalls. “But looking back, we probably should have done it sooner.”

In total, over 4,250 ventilation windows were equipped with the filter system, covering 10 hectares of greenhouse surface. The installation was carried out without any modifications to the existing ventilation system. Thanks to smart solutions for ridge connectors, storm cables, and push rods, the mesh was fully integrated into the current structure. “SchermNed had professional over-the-crop carts made, took precise measurements, and even built a test setup beforehand,” says Van Paassen. “It’s truly specialized work – definitely not something you do halfway.”

Although some insects like thrips and aphids still get in occasionally, Van Paassen notices a clear improvement. “Other insects stay out, and the ventilation system still works effectively. The climate is more stable, and we’ve seen virtually no insect ingress from outside. That really helps reduce the need for crop protection.” While the mesh slightly reduces light transmission, Jan believes the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. “You can still ventilate precisely, even with small window openings. On hot days, you might notice a slight difference, but it’s minimal.”

The installation was completed in six weeks, carefully scheduled to avoid disrupting the cultivation process. The system fits perfectly with the sustainable direction the chrysanthemum company is taking. “We already work extensively with biological control agents and aim to minimize the use of preventive chemicals. This insect screen helps us take that next step. If you truly want to grow clean flowers, you need to be willing to invest in solutions like this.”