“He introduced me to Van der Valk Horti Systems, and after the first meeting, it was clear that not only the system stood out, but also the people. From our very first meeting I felt a genuine commitment. The team took the time to understand our situation and even travelled to Mexico to assess our nursery with respect and professionalism. The quality of their components clearly reflects the quality of their people. I knew right away this was a company worth investing in.”

Pharis has been approached by competitors over the years, which is common in a price-sensitive market. However, he has never felt the need to switch systems. “I don’t have any reason to try a different system,” continues Pharis. “Why would I? Yes, there are always cheaper alternatives available, but they rarely come with the same level of quality and the same kind of people behind them as Van der Valk Horti Systems.”

Growers today face a wide range of challenges in their cultivation strategies, and Pharis is no exception. “Climate change is a key example,” says Pharis. “With rising temperatures, insect pressure is increasing, especially in my region, where thrips have become a serious concern. To manage this, we had to install insect control nets, but with a fine mesh. This, however, reduced circulation of air inside the greenhouse, which led to warmer conditions. So, we needed to control the temperature. Fortunately, solutions like ValkPoly+ help address these issues. In fact, we quickly realised that while a single screen already adds a lot of value, using two screens provides even greater flexibility and allows us to achieve PARperfect. If the greenhouse architecture had allowed it, we would have added a third screen without hesitation. They also improve working conditions in the greenhouse, which is very important to us.

“We noticed a significant difference before and after installing the ValkPoly+ screen system”, says Pharis. “Our energy consumption decreased substantially, and we gained much greater control over humidity.” For a propagator, however, photosynthesis is the most critical factor indicates Pharis. “The common rule of thumb that 1% more light results in 1% more yield doesn’t apply in our case. The amount of light that young plants can assimilate is limited. In practice, we found that reducing light levels through shading resulted in more compact, yet still active plants, particularly under the intense light conditions in Mexico. Without screens, periods of excessive light exposure caused plants to close their stomata and suspend growth.”

“Now, with ValkPoly+ in place, we achieve more compact growth and gain greater control over EC (electrical conductivity) and pH. As a propagator working with seedlings in plug trays, water volumes are very limited. By using screens, we can now fully control our greenhouse climate and maintain far more consistent EC and pH levels. At the same time, they improve light distribution, allowing us to increase plant density. That’s critical in our business, where we aim to maximize the number of plants per square meter without compromising quality. Screens help maximise space efficiency while improving airflow throughout the nursery.”

A high-quality screen only delivers real value when it’s part of a reliable system. “Before ValkPoly+, we used a different system,” says Pharis. “The motor wasn’t of good quality and didn’t stop where it should, causing damage to both the screens and greenhouse, ultimately forcing us to replace the entire system. Fortunately, there were no plants inside at the time, otherwise the crops would have been affected as well. That experience made it clear that investing in a high-quality system is far more cost-effective than dealing with repairs and potential crop loss. So, having quality products is crucial and ValkPoly+ has proven to be both reliable and easy to use, making it a valuable long-term investment rather than a cost. Four years after installation, the system still runs perfectly, and all the issues we experienced in the past have been resolved.”

Unlike many growers who still rely on a fixed chalk layer, Pharis deliberately chose a screen system. “This year once again proved why,” he explains. “In Mexico, we regularly deal with extreme weather conditions, such as El Niño and early rainy seasons that bring heavy cloud cover. Typically, we experience clear blue skies in the morning, followed by clouds and thunderstorms in the afternoon. With chalk, you miss out on valuable morning light and face even greater limitations during darker periods. Screens, on the other hand, give us full control and flexibility over light levels throughout the day. That flexibility makes a real difference,” Pharis concludes, “allowing us to respond to changing conditions and consistently optimise plant performance.”

Another key challenge is the limited availability of experienced local installers. “In many cases, local teams lack the tools, manpower or expertise to install the system properly,” Pharis adds. “That’s where Van der Valk Horti Systems made a difference. Sander Zwinkels, Senior Project Manager at Van der Valk Horti Systems, was present on-site during the installation, ensuring everything was executed to the highest standard. His technical knowledge, installation expertise and ability to guide the team were crucial to the success of the project,” Pharis concludes.

Plant propagation is a business of precision, where every detail matters, and screen systems play a crucial role in controlling those details. Effective climate control depends heavily on reliable screening, making system performance and durability essential. “With Van der Valk Horti Systems, I found exactly that reliability,” Pharis says. “I can’t imagine a modern greenhouse without a reliable screen system in place. With ValkPoly+, the screens perform consistently because the entire system is built to last. With Van der Valk Horti Systems, we have the best of both worlds: a high-quality system and a team we truly enjoy working with.”