News » 10.06.2025 - Most damage reports from horticultural companies after storm in the Netherlands

A few days after the storm in North and Central Limburg, the Netherlands, and just across the border in Germany, the impact is gradually becoming clearer. It is confirmed that several greenhouses sustained damage, either to their roofs from hail or to their crops from flooding. Particularly in the Belfeld, Venlo, and Reuver regions, businesses have reported damage, according to an update from the Limburg Agricultural and Horticultural Association (link in Dutch).

Fons Kersten, chief executive of LLTB, stated, "Mainly horticultural companies have suffered damage, but entrepreneurs in arable farming, vegetable, and fruit cultivation have been affected as well. The damage varies, including broken greenhouse windows, damaged crops, incomplete harvests, and businesses coming to a halt. It mostly involves material damage requiring extensive repair. We sympathize with the entrepreneurs impacted by this weather and the resulting damage. We maintain direct communication with our members, and the LLTB will support them wherever possible, even if it's just by providing a listening ear."

The LLTB is collaborating with Glastuinbouw Nederland in the Limburg region. Peter van Bree, the regional chairman of Glastuinbouw Nederland for Limburg, is in close contact with local horticulturists. "I'm visiting horticulturists in the area, and most entrepreneurs report significant damage. Some mention that, depending on the crop, they prefer having the rain now rather than earlier or later in the season since they are at the end of their growing cycle. Nevertheless, damage is still unwelcome. We are also exploring ways to support affected horticulturists wherever possible," he explained.

Initial findings by the insurer
Insurers are currently working with entrepreneurs to assess the damage from the storm. According to a spokesperson at L1, the exact extent of the damage might not be known until well after the storm has passed. The Limburg-Noord Safety Region reported to the same regional broadcaster that they received around 40 reports of storm and water damage, but noted that it wasn't worse than any other storm. GFActueel, after reaching out to insurer Interpolis, states that "more than 20 greenhouse horticulture companies were affected."

After visiting all affected companies, Hortisectur and insurer Gartenbau-Versicherung Nederland shared key findings. In some locations, water damage was caused by heavy rainfall combined with damaged greenhouse roofs. Managing disease pressure is a critical focus in these situations. Another important consideration is keeping a sufficient stock of glass, as glass supplies were not up to standard everywhere. They also noted that tempered glass proved to be more resistant to hail than float glass.
 

 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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