Programme
Conference Programme 2025
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Tuesday 25 March 2025
Topic of the day: the current situation and perspectives in horticulture
Please be aware that the contents and speakers of the programme could change.
08:30 - 10:55 | Workshop - Introduction to Leafy Greens Cultivation
In South America and Mexico there is more interest in water grown Leafy Greens. Therefore, we believe it is the right time to start at GTA to promote it.
- Introduction to the hydroponic leafy greens industry
- DFT vs NFT systems (floating vs gutter)
- Irrigation basics
Sonny Moerenhout, Managing Partner, Cultivators
11:00 - 11:30 | Opening Ceremony & Expo - Networking Break
11:45 - 12:45 | Impact of climate change on protected agriculture
• Temperature control technologies
• Air circulation and ventilation
• Moist walls
• Efficient water use
• Screens
• Greenhouse requirements due to climate change
Bas Duijvestijn, Chief Commercial Officer, Van der Hoeven
Felipe Palomares, Head Grower, Jd Agro-Kapital - Ludvig Svensson
Moderador: Iván Méndez, Head Grower, Megafrescos
12:45 - 13:45 | Strategic Conference
13:45 - 14:45 | Lunch & Networking
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14:45 - 15:00 | Time to visit the expo
15:00 - 15:45 | Human Capital Challenges: Impact of reforms, certifications and technologies on the labour force
• Labor situation in Mexico
• Systems that control labor efficiency and automation
• Certification companies, perspective on importance of certifications in a greenhouse, socially responsible, ISO etc.
Alexei Rico, Propagation Grower, Plantanova
Jorge del Toro, Director, Finka
15:45 - 16:30 | Protocols for the prevention of pests and diseases
• Tomato virus BRFV - Pepper virus CPMMoV
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Biological control
Maximiliano Dorantes, Technical Director, MicroPrime
Rafael Pizarro, Director, Natura Quality Foods
Moderator: Oscar Morales, Director, SCS
16:30 - 17:15 | Election results in 2024 and their impact on the industry
• How does the situation of the incoming Mexican and US governments impact horticulture?
• Mexican exports and the tomato suspension agreement
Moderator: Eric Viramontes, Presidente & Director, VISER Proyecta
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Topic of the day: opportunities in horticulture to maximize production potential
Please be aware that the contents and speakers of the programme could change.
08:30 - 11:00 | Power Day - “Passion for People or just Profit?”
Presentator: Oscar Woltman, Consultor, Phoenix Consultoría
Presentation by – TBD
Table moderators:
• Mariska Dreschler, Director of Horticulture, GreenTech
• Félix Tarrats, Director General, CEICKOR
• Hugo Escoto, Consultor, Alternativa Agrícola Sostenible
• Pharis Rico, Director, Horticonnect
•Jorge del Toro, Director, Finka
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11:00 - 12:00 | Time to visit the expo
12:00 - 13:00 | Benefits of artificial intelligence in greenhouses
• What does AI mean for horticulture?
• Empowering the use of data, through AI
• Will AI be the Grower expert in my production?
• Could AI replace human capital?
Jorge A. González, Consultor Técnico, Ridder Group
Kenneth Tran, CEO, KOIDRA – Metaliser
Moderator: Pharis Rico, Director, Plantanova
13:00 - 13:45 | Strategic conference
13:45 - 14:45 | Lunch & Networking
14:45 - 15:00 | Time to visit the Expo
15:00 - 16:00 | Comparing different labour retaining strategies
• Pay amounts in different countries per kg produced / exported
• Why in Mexico is there less profit than in other countries?
• Employee experiences - incentive plan
Oscar Woltman, Consultant, Phoenix Consultoría
Carlos Visconti, CEO, Red Sun Farms Group
16:00 - 17:00 | How to be more sustainable: Efficiency in irrigation systems and fertilizers
• Water Efficiency in Hydroponics
Fernando Alfaro, CEO, GROWA Greenhouse Systems
Gerardo López, Grower, Finka
Luis Carlos Díaz, Gerente de ventas Región Bajío, GreenHow
Moderator: Jesús Arévalo, Director de Innovación y Desarrollo, Intagri
Thursday 27 March 2025
Topic of the day: facing challenges for the future
Please be aware that the contents and speakers of the programme could change.
Awakening the Giant: Mexico’s Ornamental Potential
• Production of Ornamentals: sustainability, challenges and opportunities
• Switching production: What to take into account when considering switching to growing flowers
• Challenges and opportunities of the Mexican market and the possibilities to export
• Doing Business in Mexico: What Dutch breeders and technology providers are looking for?
11:00 - 12:00 | “Every drop counts” - Sustainable water management: Dutch technology and its experience in Mexico
Ruud Schulte, Manager Marketing & Communications, Van der Ende Group
Simon Jones, Business Development Manager, GENAP
Moderator: Annie van Riet, President, AVAG
12:00 | Networking Break / Time to visit the expo
12:15 - 13:15 Role models, women who inspire future generations
Violeta Ruiz, Foreign Trade, Rabita Agrotextil
Ernestina Serrano, General Director, Cerro Fresh
13:15 - 14:15 | Global Innovations: Analysis of technology and its impact in different regions
Adolfo Minero, Consultant, Harnois
14:15 - 15:00 | Strategic Conference
• Impact of Dumping
15:00 - 16:00 | Networking with strategic expert and industry leaders
Don't forget to register your ticket!
Make sure to register your ticket and upgrade it with the conference programme, Power Day and more! Register now >