The fifth edition of the Plant Empowerment Summer School has successfully come to an end. During an intensive week in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), 18 growers from Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Finland, Portugal, the USA, Armenia, Italy and Australia came together to deepen their knowledge of the Plant Empowerment principles and exchange practical growing experiences.
Plant Empowerment Summer School 2026
Successful fifth edition
An immersive learning experience
Held during GreenTech Amsterdam, the Summer School combined in-depth theory with hands-on practice. Participants attended interactive sessions on topics such as climate strategy, radiation, lit cultivation, plant health, water and irrigation, and assimilate balance, while also visiting Wageningen University & Research, Royal Berry and the BASF Nunhems Experience Center to see these principles applied in practice.
Learning goes both ways
One of the key strengths of the Summer School is the interaction between participants. By bringing together growers from different climates, crops and production systems, valuable discussions emerge that go far beyond the classroom.
The exchange of experiences, practical challenges and local solutions creates a unique learning environment where consultants and growers inspire each other and continue to develop the Plant Empowerment philosophy together.
Valued by growers worldwide
The Summer School received an average rating of 8.3 out of 10, with participants particularly appreciating the combination of scientific knowledge, practical company visits and the opportunity to exchange experiences with growers from around the world. Many highlighted that the program challenged existing assumptions, offered new perspectives and provided practical insights that can be applied directly in their own greenhouse.
As one participant summarized:
“Helping successful growers become even more successful.”
Another participant described the week as:
“A great experience to dive into the Plant Empowerment philosophy and exchange knowledge with growers from around the world.”
These insights and experiences continue to shape the future of the Summer School, as we further develop next year’s program based on participant feedback and the challenges growers face in daily practice.
Looking ahead to 2027
With another successful edition behind us, preparations for the Plant Empowerment Summer School 2027 will gradually begin. Feedback from participants will play an important role in shaping next year’s program, ensuring that future editions continue to address the challenges and questions growers face in modern greenhouse horticulture.
Interested in joining a future Plant Empowerment Summer School or looking for a tailor-made training for your organization? Feel free to contact the Plant Empowerment team for more information.
Stijn Jochems
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Training the next generation of tomato crop managers
Open: Training the next generation of tomato crop managers
