Investigation and temporary hold on plant assortment 

On Tuesday, 29 July, we received notification from the NVWA that, during a periodic inspection, a composite sample of various plants indicated a suspected presence of the EU quarantine organism Meloidogyne enterolobii (root-knot nematode).

To assess the situation carefully, the NVWA initiated a follow-up inspection on 4 August. Given the nature and scale of our company, a targeted risk-based sample was taken. All plants that could potentially be at risk were temporarily placed on hold for delivery. 

Good news! 

We are pleased to announce that today we have received positive news. After many random samples, specimen collections and laboratory tests, the official result is that we are completely clear. The suspicion has been lifted and we are fully back in business. With immediate effect, our full plant assortment is once again available for delivery. 

On behalf of the management of Nieuwkoop Europe, Danny Gerritsen responds to the news: 

“It is not the first time that we, or one of our chain and sector partners, have been confronted with such measures. The discovery of Euwallacea fornicatus in 2022 is still fresh in our memory. Such incidents are no longer exceptions — they have become part of the reality in which we operate. 

Given our central role in the supply chain, we are fully aware of the impact such a shutdown has on our chain partners. The logistical flow came to a complete standstill, with immediate consequences for customers, suppliers, interior landscapers, wholesalers, and other partners in the landscaping sector. Even though this was entirely beyond our control, we offer our apologies for the inconvenience this has caused. At the same time, we would like to thank everyone for the understanding, flexibility, and support we have experienced over the past days. 

Phytosanitary threats and the related regulations will only increase in impact in the coming years. This requires all of us — growers, traders, suppliers, landscapers, and wholesalers — not only to respond to incidents, but also to structurally invest in prevention and risk management. 

For decades, we have been investing in measures to keep our supply chain clean, safe, and future-proof. At present, for example, we are implementing an ultrafiltration system for our water flows. We do this not only for ourselves or our chain partners, but also out of a broader social responsibility: protecting plant health, nature, and trade — nationally and internationally — and thereby preserving a vital green sector that contributes to the well-being, living environment, and economic strength of the Netherlands. 

We have dealt with such disruptions before. Time and again, we are impressed by our own resilience and that of our chain partners. Every time, we emerge stronger. We are ready for the future.”