Eurofins Agro Testing expands global horticultural services with new team members

NETHERLANDS – Eurofins Agro Testing, a leading global laboratory for horticultural analysis, has strengthened its international team with two new members to support the rapidly expanding global horticulture market.

Pauline Bugter and Ernesto Obando have joined the company’s Wageningen headquarters to extend their services worldwide, offering cutting-edge analytical solutions to growers seeking to optimize crop performance.

The global horticulture market was valued at approximately USD 22.42 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 52.43 billion by 2031, growing at a robust CAGR of 9.9%.

The laboratory analysis segment plays a critical role in this growth, driven by the rising demand for high-quality produce and the push for sustainable farming practices.

Sjors Beijer, Business Unit Manager of Horticulture at Eurofins Agro Testing, noted, “We see many opportunities internationally to support growers with improved cultivation insights.”

Pauline Bugter, the new International Horticulture Sales Manager, and Ernesto Obando, Horticulture Business Developer, are tasked with expanding Eurofins’ services.

Pauline will focus on Europe, while Ernesto will concentrate on regions outside of Europe. “Growers are increasingly active in multiple countries, and Eurofins wants to serve them as well as possible for their cultivation sites abroad,” Pauline remarked.

The growth of the horticultural market is underpinned by technological advancements such as sensor technologies and AI-based solutions, which are now being employed to detect infections and pest infestations.

Additionally, IoT-enabled lighting systems and LED-based alternatives are improving photosynthetic activity, leading to enhanced crop yields.

Eurofins Agro Testing has been proactive in offering a complete range of analyses tailored to meet the needs of modern greenhouse horticulture. The company’s Horti Solutions package focuses on water quality and plant nutrition, allowing growers to maintain optimal growing conditions.

“The turnaround time of our research is one day in many cases,” Sjors highlighted, emphasizing Eurofins’ efficiency in delivering results globally.

Ernesto shared his insights from the international market, particularly in Mexico, where he observed significant growth in high-tech greenhouse farming.

He stressed the importance of regular testing, stating, “In the Netherlands, growers are proactive, analyzing samples regularly to prevent issues. However, in other regions, testing often happens too late, after problems have already appeared.”

The increasing focus on sustainable horticulture practices is also boosting the demand for laboratory analysis. As growers seek to meet environmental standards and adopt greener farming methods, the role of analytical data becomes indispensable.

“Sustainability is a key driver for growers, and our data helps ensure compliance with these standards,” Pauline added.

Government initiatives promoting greenhouse horticulture and organic farming are further propelling market growth.

Favorable policies across various countries are encouraging investment in sustainable practices, further driving demand for services like those offered by Eurofins Agro Testing.

To support this growth, Eurofins is forging partnerships with local industry players and suppliers. The company’s analysis app integrates data into platforms used by growers, enabling them to monitor water quality, plant nutrition, and pathogens in real-time.

“Collaborations are key to ensuring our growers receive the data they need to stay ahead,” Sjors emphasized.

Looking ahead, both Pauline and Ernesto aim to help growers around the world optimize their crop production.

“I hope that in ten years, growers will say our analyses helped them thrive, even with the challenges they face,” Pauline said.

Eurofins Agro Testing remains committed to providing world-class laboratory services that drive sustainable, high-tech growth in greenhouse horticulture.