About Harvestis
Practice-oriented. Innovative. Connected to the future of horticulture.
Harvestis was formed following the merger of the Hoogstraten Research Centre (PCH) and the Vegetable Crops Research Station (PSKW) in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. By combining our expertise, state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources, we are creating a strong foundation for forward-looking applied research.
Harvestis, or Horticultural Applied Research Center for Vegetables and Strawberries, Innovation and Science is a key knowledge partner for the vegetable and strawberry sector. We support growers through research, innovation, advice and demonstrations to ensure the horticultural sector remains sustainable, profitable and future-proof.
Knowledge that works in practice
Harvestis’s mission is clear: to translate innovation more quickly into practical solutions and to ensure that these are implemented effectively. Our starting point is the ambition to become the leading European centre for practice-oriented horticultural research within our areas of specialisation. In this way, we aim to provide growers with even better support in a rapidly changing environment.
Through Harvestis, we are creating a strong synergy that enables us to make an even greater impact on the sector. At the same time, we retain our greatest strengths: the close involvement of growers, our strong local roots in Meerle (Hoogstraten) and Sint-Katelijne-Waver, and our long-standing partnership with BelOrta and Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
Els Berckmoes, Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
"We believe in a horticultural sector where innovation is rooted in practical experience. By working closely together, we can turn those ideas into concrete and achievable solutions that genuinely help growers move forward. If we, as a research organisation, are to remain relevant to growers in the future, we must demonstrate today our ambition to help make a difference.”
Tom van Delm, Director of Research
‘By joining forces, we are strengthening both our expertise and our impact. Harvestis is built on three pillars: practice-oriented research, accelerating innovation, and targeted knowledge transfer to growers, advisers, the education sector and policymakers.’
Our values
Practice-oriented
Empowering growers through research and knowledge that can be put into practice straight away.
State-of-the-art
We offer solutions that address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Bridge builders
Between growers, researchers, businesses and policymakers.
A reliable knowledge partner
Where growers and stakeholders can rely on scientifically underpinned knowledge.
Innovation Accelerator
In vegetable and strawberry cultivation, with a focus on sustainability, profitability and technology.
Strongly rooted in the local community, with European ambition
Harvestis has both feet firmly on the ground, both literally and figuratively. Researchers work closely with growers to translate scientific insights and technological developments into practical applications.
Harvestis’s strong practical focus means it is also relevant at European level. The Flemish vegetable and strawberry sector is one of the most innovative in north-western Europe. Innovations developed and validated here often serve as important examples for the wider European horticultural sector.
Please get in touch
Would you like to help shape the future of horticulture? If so, we’d love to meet you.
Our ambition extends beyond the development of knowledge alone: we want to shape the future of Flemish and European horticulture – making it innovative, resilient and firmly rooted in practice.
Do you have an idea for a partnership, or are you interested in finding out how we can support each other? Please get in touch. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of innovation and make a difference to the horticultural sector.
