Viemose DGS's New Vision 🇩🇰

Good morning, readers!

In an era when the agricultural industry is rapidly transforming, innovative leadership has never been more critical. Floris Berghout, the newly appointed CEO of Viemose DGS, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Danish company renowned for its advanced growing systems.

With a strategic focus on expanding market presence, particularly in automated leafy green production, Berghout is set to lead Viemose DGS toward a new era of global influence and sustainability in indoor farming.

What We Are Covering Today?

1. Steering Viemose DGS Toward Innovation and Global Leadership in Indoor Farming

2. Floris Berghout’s Unexpected Journey to CEO of Viemose DGS and His Vision for the Future

3. Floris Berghout’s Vision to Elevate Viemose DGS in Automated Leafy Green Production

4. Viemose DGS Eyes North American Expansion

5. Viemose DGS’s Commitment to Durable Solutions and Future Innovations

6. Floris Berghout’s Vision for Viemose DGS in Modern Agriculture

7. Future Directions and Goals

8. What We Are Reading & Listening To

Estimated Reading Time 5-7 minutes

Special thanks to Floris Berghout for his valuable input & time!

THE BEGINNINGS
Steering Viemose DGS Toward Innovation and Global Leadership in Indoor Farming

In a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, innovative leadership is crucial. Floris Berghout, the new CEO of Viemose DGS, brings a fresh perspective and extensive experience to the Danish company, known for its advanced growing systems. His journey to this role was unexpected—having led the international sales team at Viscon Group, Berghout wasn’t actively seeking a new position. However, a conversation with a headhunter piqued his interest, eventually leading him to explore opportunities with Viemose DGS, a company he learned about through a friend.

Now at the helm, Berghout is focused on elevating Viemose DGS’s market presence, particularly in automated leafy green production systems. With a strong foundation in greenhouse construction and a pioneering role in moving gutter systems, Viemose DGS is poised to expand its influence under Berghout’s strategic leadership. This editorial explores Berghout’s vision, the challenges he anticipates, and the innovative approaches he plans to implement to solidify Viemose DGS’s position as a leader in the global agricultural industry.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Floris Berghout’s Unexpected Journey to CEO of Viemose DGS and His Vision for the Future

Floris Berghout’s path to becoming CEO of Viemose DGS began with an unexpected opportunity. Previously leading the international sales team at Viscon Group, Berghout wasn’t actively seeking a new role. However, when a headhunter approached him, it sparked a period of reflection. “I was not really looking for something else, but that made me think, ‘Hey, if I'm open to such an opportunity, why is that?’” he shared. A conversation with a friend ultimately led him to Viemose DGS, known for its moving gutter systems.

As he stepped into his new role, Berghout anticipated potential challenges, particularly from employees who might be hesitant about a new leader from outside Denmark. “I was prepared for some hesitation about a guy from Holland being the new CEO,” he said. However, he found that the team at Viemose DGS was generally supportive, especially after he communicated his plans for the company. “They were a bit afraid, of course, about the changes. But when I explained what the plans were, they were happy and relieved,” Berghout noted.

STRATEGIC VISION
Floris Berghout’s Vision to Elevate Viemose DGS in Automated Leafy Green Production

One of Berghout’s primary objectives as CEO is to increase the visibility of Viemose DGS, particularly in the automated leafy green production systems segment. Despite the company’s long history and contributions to the industry, Berghout believes that Viemose DGS is not as widely recognized as it should be. “One of my first goals is to make sure that everyone knows, if you're looking for a leafy green production system, talk to Viemose DGS,” he stated.

Under his leadership, the company aims to build stronger connections with growers, particularly those interested in automated systems. Viemose DGS, founded in 1947 and evolved from greenhouse construction to developing advanced growing systems, now focuses on reinforcing its reputation as a leader in smart growing technologies.

MARKET EXPANSION & FOCUS
Viemose DGS Eyes North American Expansion

Viemose DGS has historically operated across various regions, including Scandinavia, Northern Germany, and the Baltic States, with recent projects in Poland, Florida, and Japan. Despite this global presence, the company is now focusing on expanding into new markets, particularly in North America. “We are increasingly focusing on the North American markets,” Berghout mentioned.

The company’s offerings are divided into three main segments: whole-head production, leafy green cut products, and herb production systems. While there has been significant industry interest in leafy greens, Berghout notes that whole-head production continues to dominate globally. “There has been a lot of talk about leafy greens... but globally, whole head production still dominates,” he explained.

PRODUCT & INNOVATION
Viemose DGS’s Commitment to Durable Solutions and Future Innovations

Viemose DGS’s MGs systems are noted for their durability, with the company offering a 10-year warranty, which is uncommon in the industry. Berghout acknowledges that while the MGs technology has reached maturity, there is still potential for optimization. “I don't see any huge changes anymore in that system, just optimization—combination light, humidity, CO2—that kind of stuff,” he said.

In addition to the MGs systems, the company is exploring new technologies such as aeroponics and continuing to develop its benching systems. Vertical farming, though a smaller part of Viemose DGS’s current operations, is also a growing area of interest, particularly in hybrid systems that combine vertical and conventional growing methods. “The vertical farm industry is still a relatively small part of what we do,” Berghout noted, adding that they see potential in integrating these systems into their broader offerings.

SUSTAINABILITY & TECHNOLOGY
Floris Berghout’s Vision for Viemose DGS in Modern Agriculture

Sustainability is a key focus for Viemose DGS, particularly in terms of maximizing land use efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Berghout offers a nuanced perspective on the debate between traditional and organic farming methods. “There’s a tendency to criticize modern farming methods, but the alternatives might require 10, 100, even 1,000 times more land for the same production,” he observed.

Viemose DGS’s systems are designed with sustainability in mind. Their NFT systems, for example, recirculate water and fertilizers, reducing waste. “We have a system that uses a very limited amount of water because you can recirculate it,” Berghout explained. The company’s focus on space-efficient growing methods, whether in greenhouses or vertical farms, also aims to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions per plant. This approach can conserve land for nature while still producing high yields.

LOOKING AHEAD
Future Directions and Goals

As Floris Berghout settles into his role as CEO, his focus on enhancing Viemose DGS’s visibility and expanding its market presence is clear. With a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability, Berghout is steering Viemose DGS toward becoming a more prominent player in the global agricultural industry, particularly in automated leafy green production systems.

While Viemose DGS continues to build on its strong foundation in traditional greenhouse technologies, it is also exploring new opportunities in vertical farming and other advanced growing systems. Berghout’s approach emphasizes a balanced view of sustainability, advocating for intensive farming practices that maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Viemose DGS aims to solidify its position as a go-to partner for growers worldwide. Berghout’s leadership is poised to guide the company through its next phase of growth, ensuring that Viemose DGS remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality systems to its clients.

SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
What We Are Reading & Listening To