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"Tomatoworld serves as an educational hub for Dutch greenhouse farming, attracting thousands of visitors globally each year. However, with this influx comes the risk of introducing and spreading diseases and pests, notably the tomato brown virus ToBRFV," explains cultivation manager Ab van Marrewijk. "Recognizing this threat, we upgraded our hygiene protocol with the assistance of Royal Brinkman. We're pleased with the outcome, which allows us to welcome visitors while maintaining peace of mind."

"For years, Tomatoworld has been a respected name among industry professionals. Our center provides a firsthand look at modern greenhouse horticulture operations, showcasing innovations that address critical issues like sustainable resource management, responsible food production, and the integration of new technologies."

"Many visitors come from other countries or have no background in horticulture. At Tomatoworld, they step into a different world—one that surprises, inspires, and provokes thought. It truly serves as a showcase for the broader industry," says Ab van Marrewijk. "Our existence depends on visitors. However, unintentionally, visitors can bring diseases and pests into the facility, posing a risk to our plants in the demonstration greenhouse. This vulnerability requires us to eliminate the risk as much as possible while continuing to welcome visitors. Some risk factors, such as the tomato brown virus, present unique challenges that our hygiene protocol was not adequately addressing."

To ensure a robust solution, Van Marrewijk enlisted partner Royal Brinkman for advice and guidance. Hygiene specialist Dirk Timmers from the HortiHygienz department developed a customized plan. "We approach hygiene through a compass with five focus areas: Crop Rotation, Personnel & Activities, Disease-Free Materials, Optimal Water Quality, and Responsible & Sustainable Cultivation. Tomatoworld's request is a perfect example of Personnel & Activities."

To ensure comprehensive access hygiene, Timmers and the client initially conducted a risk assessment. "Preventing virus transmission is a major concern for tomato farms globally, as employees move in and out freely," explains the expert. "While most companies restrict access to their greenhouses, Tomatoworld in Honselersdijk welcomes visitors from around the world to observe tomato cultivation."

The situation at Tomatoworld is multifaceted. Visitors may come solely for classroom sessions, greenhouse tours, or both. A stringent hygiene protocol is enforced for those entering the greenhouse to mitigate the risk of disease and pest transmission through hands, footwear, or clothing.

Based on the risk analysis, a complete hygiene station was recommended and designed. Visitors are required to wash their hands with Menno H hand soap, disinfect their hands and footwear with Enno Rapid (for hands) and Menno Florades (for footwear), and wear protective guest clothing and gloves. Before entering the greenhouse, guests walk over a moist Flexxomat with Menno Florades.

Sensor-equipped gates with turnstiles at various cleaning and disinfection points ensure that the next step can only be taken once the prescribed action is completed.

"Mobile phones and other items that may harbor viruses, bacteria, or fungi should be left in designated lockers," adds the hygiene expert. "If unavoidable, and they must enter the greenhouse, they should first be placed in a sealable bag. Afterwards, hands should, of course, be disinfected again."

Van Marrewijk is highly impressed with the thorough and professional approach of the project. "It was guided, substantiated, and executed from start to finish," he says. "We are extremely enthusiastic about the outcome. Previously, visitors only received coveralls, gloves, and hairnets. Thanks to the new hygiene station implemented by Royal Brinkman, the appropriate measures are now taken to responsibly welcome visitors into our greenhouse. For most guests, that remains the highlight of their visit."

  

  

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