Philips light recipes and other such knowledge are the result of hundreds of trials and projects among growers, researchers and Signify plant specialists to investigate how LED grow lights affect various crops and the growing phases of plants under different cultivation methods.
In 2015, investments into building LED knowledge resulted in the opening of the Philips GrowWise Center in the Netherlands. It’s the largest research facility of its kind for vertical farming production. Here, Signify teams develop more sustainable approaches to growing healthier and tastier fruits and vegetables, regardless of where in the world the production facility is located. Potential investors and builders of vertical farms can visit the facility to see demonstrations of different grow systems, technologies and crops.
Cooperation and community are cornerstones of the Philips horticulture program. “We have created a network of industry-leading partners and top university research teams,” says Udo. “For the key crops, we organize annual events where growers from around the world meet up to exchange ideas and experiences with each other and our partners, and to visit growing facilities. These events are crucial for our program development, and very much appreciated by the growers, many of whom return each year to look for more ways to improve their business. They also become important ambassadors for our solutions.”