Genson installs led system for strawberry growth

Signify has partnered with the Genson Group to install a full LED lighting system for year-round strawberry production, supporting more sustainable greenhouse operations.

The system features Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0, managed by Philips GrowWise and Ridder climate control systems. These tools dynamically adjust light intensity in response to natural sunlight, providing consistent light levels while optimizing energy use.

One key element of the lighting setup is a far-red light recipe, used to promote proper cluster stretching in strawberry plants during the winter. Genson also prioritized worker visibility by selecting a light recipe with added white light, which enhances the ability to assess fruit ripeness and quality.

The transition to LED lighting also required adjustments to climate management strategies, as LEDs emit significantly less heat than traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps.

“We’ve had to adapt by using fans to manage humidity levels,” said Neeltje van Vaalen, crop specialist at Genson. “It’s a new way of farming — experimenting to find what works. Strawberries prefer a slightly cooler climate than tomatoes, for example.”

The energy-efficient system is expected to improve sustainability and productivity at Genson’s greenhouse facilities.

Photo courtesy of Signify.