Now Open: Bosch Berries’ Greenhouse Facility in Kentucky
December 18, 2024 On Friday, December 13, Bosch Berries celebrated the opening of their first U.S. greenhouse with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This $49.5 million investment took shape in a newly retrofitted 30-acre facility in Somerset, Kentucky, that houses more than 1.5 million strawberry plants.
“Kentucky’s agritech sector continues to grow and gain momentum, providing high-wage jobs and incredible opportunities for families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear. “This is a significant next step for Bosch Berries as they open their first operation in the United States at their New Kentucky Home in Somerset. This project is a powerful testament to our workforce and access to resources Kentucky has to offer. I want to thank the company’s leadership for this incredible investment in southcentral Kentucky and look forward to their future success here for many years to come.”
During their speech, Tijmen and Wouter van den Bosch emphasized how their dedicated employees made the Kentucky greenhouse possible. | Photo: Trevor Terry
Strengthening The Netherlands’ Partnership with Kentucky
Brothers Tijmen and Wouter van den Bosch emphasized how their new greenhouse represents the partnership between The Netherlands and Kentucky.
“Today, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved,” said Tijmen and Wouter van den Bosch, surrounded by their employees at the Somerset farm who shared in the ribbon cutting. “From integrating cutting-edge technology to advancing sustainable farming practices, this greenhouse represents the best of what we can achieve when we work together. It has created jobs, fostered innovation, and set a new standard for responsible agriculture. Most importantly, it embodies our shared values and commitment to building a better future for our communities.”
Both brothers made sure to express their gratitude to their employees, highlighting their dedication and hard work. “This achievement would not have been possible without the efforts of our team,” Tijmen said. “You are the backbone of everything we do here.” Wouter added, “Each of you has played a vital role in bringing this vision to life, and we are deeply thankful for your contributions.”
Wouter van den Bosch leading a tour of the Bosch Berries greenhouse facility. | Photo: Trevor Terry
Growing the Kentucky Greenhouse Sector
Consulate General of the Netherlands in Chicago, Eric Strating, who spoke at the event and toured the farm alongside Senior Advisor to Governor Andy Beshear, Rocky Adkins, highlighted the deeper partnership between The Netherlands and Kentucky.
“Four years ago, Kentucky had approximately 1.4 million square feet of greenhouse production. Today, you can boast over 13.8 million square feet, 316 acres, making this state second in the nation for fresh produce production under cover,” he said. “This extraordinary growth reflects not only the vision of leaders like Wouter and Tijmen but also the dedication of Kentucky’s public and private sectors.”
He also highlighted the KY-NL Consortium and the importance of collaboration between private sector partners, governments, and academia to help realize a shared vision.
“This unique partnership between Dutch and Kentucky stakeholders has fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation,” he said. “It exemplifies what is possible when we bring together Dutch expertise in controlled environment agriculture and Kentucky’s unwavering commitment to growth and opportunity.”
Rocky Adkins, a proud native of Eastern Kentucky, shared his enthusiasm during the event, saying, “Today is a moment of pride for not just Somerset and Pulaski County, but the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky. We’re honored that Wouter and Tijmen chose Eastern Kentucky as the place to grow their vision. Their investment and job creation are contributing to the most dynamic four years of economic growth in our state’s history.”
Adkins also emphasized the historic economic achievements under Governor Beshear’s leadership.
“Since the start of this administration, we’ve seen more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects, with nearly $35 billion in investments announced,” he said. “This marks the highest investment total of any governor’s tenure in Kentucky’s history—$13.5 billion more than the next highest record. That’s a testament to the hard work and vision of our people and our leaders.”
Also present at the event were representatives from the Cabinet for Economic Development, agricultural leaders from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, farmer-leaders representing the Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC), local leaders from Pulaski County, as well as representatives from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.
Qinglu Ying, Ph.D., The University of Kentucky’s (UK) new extension faculty member focused on developing CEA programs, and Arundathi Sharma, one of two new extension staff at UK devoted to CEA, have been collaborating closely with Dutch company Hortitech.
Enhancing Production Capacity and Building Ag Expertise in Kentucky
Through their “CEA Pathways” program, funded by members of the KY-NL Consortium, they are equipping growers across the Commonwealth with the skills needed to succeed in CEA. This initiative aims to build horticultural expertise, foster meaningful knowledge-sharing, and significantly enhance production capacity, all while bolstering Kentucky’s rapidly expanding agricultural sector.
NLWorks, an international partnership developer and founding member of the KY-NL Consortium, traveled from The Hague for the event. “At NLWorks, we focus on building meaningful partnerships that deliver real impact,” said Daniel da Costa, Program Director at NLWorks. “By connecting Kentucky’s growing CEA sector with the Netherlands’ proven agricultural expertise, we are helping to foster a collaborative ecosystem where innovation and sustainability drive economic growth. The Bosch Berries facility is a shining example of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work together across borders.”
Several representatives from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture were present to celebrate this milestone for Bosch Berries. Commissioner Jonathan Shell of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, a seasoned horticultural business owner and grower from Lancaster, Kentucky, toured the Bosch Berries facility earlier this year with representatives from the Consulate General in Chicago and the Kentucky Horticulture Council.
Commissioner Shell, who’s committed to fostering rural economic development through agricultural projects, is spearheading efforts to formally establish the Kentucky Office of Agriculture as Economic Development early next year. This initiative reflects a strong collaboration between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Cabinet for Economic Development, showcasing bipartisan support for agricultural innovation.