Family Aarts

At ’t Bleekerven, Peter Aarts grows cucumbers and tomatoes together with his team. The 11-hectare business was founded in September 1990 and has since become an established name in the sector.

Different crops follow one another throughout the year. “We normally grow two cucumber crops and one autumn tomato crop. In another part of the business, we grow three cucumber crops,” Peter explains. The cucumber season runs from February until early November. The tomatoes are grown from September until mid-January.

No two working days are the same. “The weather and climate in the greenhouse are constantly changing. We also have to deal with new legislation and challenges relating to energy and staffing. Together with our team, we try to deliver a high-quality product every day. That variety is what makes the work so interesting.”

According to Peter, changing laws and regulations are among the greatest challenges. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep everything feasible within the rules imposed on us. As an entrepreneur, you need clear and stable policies. That is not always the case.”

Freshness and quality are at the heart of the business. “We harvest and sort every day and deliver our products fresh to BelOrta. Nothing beats a product harvested that same day.”

Peter is particularly proud of what they have built together. “We achieved this through our own efforts as a team. We have a strong group of employees we can rely on.”

He also wants to show consumers how much care goes into locally grown vegetables. “We grow our products with great care. For us, quality comes before quantity. We should be proud of the growers who provide fresh fruit and vegetables every day.”

His favourite moment in the greenhouse is a remarkably peaceful one. “On Sunday mornings, no one else is around and there is no music playing. I can then walk around quietly and inspect everything before the new week begins.”

Finally, Peter shares his simple view of cucumbers: “Cucumber is fresh and green. You can enjoy it every day.” Delicious in a salad, in a sandwich or simply as a refreshing snack.