On 21 April, growers, researchers, and innovators gathered at Unmanned Valley for Bollen van Boven, an event dedicated to the use of drones, AI, and satellite data in floriculture. The gathering was organised in partnership with the Keukenhof programme Ondernemers in de Lead and focused entirely on remote sensing.

During the event, the latest insights and practical experiences in aerial crop monitoring were shared. Topics such as smarter fertilisation, improved understanding of soil conditions, and the early detection of diseases like Botrytis demonstrated how data can help growers make faster, more informed decisions.

Alongside inspiring presentations, the primary focus was on practical application. Together with entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology partners, discussions centred on the opportunities remote sensing currently offers and the necessary steps to scale these innovations across the sector.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of new funding for Remote Sensing for Floriculture (RS4F). Thanks to a contribution from the Regiodeal Sierteeltregio and an additional investment from the Economic Board Duin- en Bollenstreek, nearly €300,000 is available for a new season of the programme. This funding will enable further development and implementation of remote sensing innovations within the floriculture region.

Through initiatives like Bollen van Boven, Unmanned Valley demonstrates how collaboration between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and technology developers can contribute to a future-proof, data-driven floriculture sector.