Cheque for Sibusiso foundation from Certhon and Van der Hoeven

On 19 September 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania, the official opening took place of a new greenhouse complex for Rijk Zwaan. The high-tech poly greenhouse, with a surface area of 43,137 m² and a separate sandwich structure, will be used for seed production. At the opening, Certhon and Van der Hoeven handed over a cheque for €7,500 to Rijk Zwaan, as a gift for the Sibusiso Foundation for disabled children, which Rijk Zwaan supports.

Certhon and Van der Hoeven were both involved in the construction of this new complex. Van der Hoeven was responsible for the design of the greenhouse, including anti-insect netting, cooling, the screening system and the sandwich construction for the seed treatment. Certhon was responsible for the design, delivery and installation of the irrigation systems and electrotechnical installation. The irrigation water is decontaminated and then reused.

With this expansive site, vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan is focusing on vegetable seed production, a proportion of which have been specially developed for the African market. The company is also closely engaged with the local population; for many years, Rijk Zwaan has supported the center for disabled children, Sibusio, adjacent to Q Sem. This foundation strives to break down the taboo around disability and to increase the acceptance of mentally disabled children in Tanzania.

As a sign of appreciation for the fantastic project and the enjoyable collaboration, at the opening, Van der Hoeven and Certhon handed over a cheque for 7,500 euros to Rijk Zwaan, as a gift for the Sibusiso Foundation. With this gesture, both parties wish to support the further development of the foundation. The fostering of community engagement fits with the companies’ own business philosophies.