1. In 2016, there was a record amount of (hail) damage of 550 million euros. What can you do to keep greenhouses insurable?
"We learn from previous damage and translate that experience into preventive measures. In doing so, we focus on safety and sustainability. In practice, this often comes down to sturdier/stronger greenhouses and safe workplaces. Increasingly, we are also facilitating innovations. Entrepreneurs are taking more and more (climate) measures in the context of sustainability and are switching to new products, devices and support. What I really like is that we work closely with greenhouse builders and suppliers of installations and machines. They are represented in the AVAG (trade association for greenhouse technology with greenhouse builders and installers) and together with them we have developed HortiQ norms and standards. If a company meets those standards and requirements, we immediately know that the risk is easily insurable."
2. More and more greenhouse growers are switching to tempered glass, which can withstand hailstones of about 3.4 cm (the size of a golf ball). Is that also the best prevention tip you can give?
"It may sound a bit silly, but the best tip is to build future-proof. That does not mean complying with what was, but responding to what is coming and creating space for the future. For example, we see that extra space in and around a greenhouse is needed more often. For energy storage systems or a charging plaza. If a grower starts building now and uses all the space, he is limiting himself. That is not convenient and certainly not future-proof. A second tip is that you can build the greenhouse stronger than today's standard indicates. That greenhouse should last twenty to thirty years, so take advantage of that. Among other things, make sure that the digital infrastructure can work and that you can make the best possible use of the residual heat. That is quite a close call. That tempered glass is already a standard part of future-proof construction. So all new construction meets that."
3. And if a grower is not yet ready for new construction or replacement?
"Then maintenance is the key word. It is really not feasible to provide existing greenhouses with tempered glass. That is a matter of time, but maintenance is essential in my opinion to prevent damage. Greenhouses last longer on average. In the past, they were written off and replaced after fifteen years, while now they remain in place for much longer. If you then ensure proper maintenance (in the form of regular inspections and inspections, but also the timely replacement of parts), a greenhouse can easily last another ten years. I sometimes compare it to a car. If you don't maintain it, it will run out after two or three years. But if you take good care of your car, you may be able to enjoy it for twenty years. The same applies to greenhouses: maintenance = preservation."
4. What happens to an entrepreneur who has to deal with a substantial loss? Is there a parallel to be drawn with a farmer who has had to experience a barn fire?
"Animals are often involved in a barn fire. That makes it extra sad, but you do get to the core. Entrepreneurs are very affected by major damage. And of course there are also entrepreneurs who immediately go into do-mode and immediately think about recovery, but on balance calamities are the moments of truth for us. We have to prove ourselves in the event of damage. Incidentally, the entire organisation is well aware of this. I don't have to ask anyone to please come to the office. Everyone is ready to get started at half past eight in the morning."
5. If a second heat wave is actually coming, with the necessary hail, can a grower still take preventive measures quickly?
"To be honest, we also find it exciting when a heat wave is predicted. The penny can sometimes just fall your way or not. A week and a half ago, a lot of hail fell in Belgium, but fortunately our customers got away with a scare. What is certain is that the hail is coming our way from the south. We have to prepare for that. And also pay attention to the safety of your people. A good entrepreneur has of course already done that and made sure that there is an emergency plan, his installations are safe, the climate is under control, and he has enough glass and emergency material in stock. And finally, close the greenhouse as well as possible before there is a storm."
On Tuesday 23 June, the Association will publish the annual Climate Damage Monitor containing the damage caused by extreme weather in 2025.