For those who are unfamiliar with the beautiful game: “the pressing game” is a disruption strategy aimed at winning back the ball in the opponent’s half – and regaining control of the game – as soon as possible. The opposite tactic is “parking the bus”, which means concentrating players in the goal area and playing very defensively while waiting for the opponent to make a mistake. Jerdy Schouten is a young midfielder on the Dutch national team, often with 100% pass accuracy, who plays to serve the team, an attacking thinker, intelligent and articulate. He can eloquently express how to play the pressing game, a new leader.
I see parallels with the horticultural cluster. We have been manoeuvred into a defensive position. On the receiving end of intense social pressure. Many years ago, horticulture was the sector everyone loved. We were justifiably designated as one of the country’s nine top sectors. Now we are forced to defend ourselves: earn back the license to operate. I’m actually very optimistic about the strategy we have adopted. Not complaining (too much) but taking the initiative to make things better. For example, in ornamental and food production horticulture we are participating in 100% green cultivation projects that use integral systems without any chemical inputs. Existing leaders are actively involved and equally encouragingly, young entrepreneurs new to horticulture are taking the initiative. We are pressing on other fronts too, such as the energy transition, regional development and communication platforms such as Stop the Food Fight. Leadership programmes including the Toekomstmakers, Young Executive programmes and the Train de Teler programme for growers initiated by the affiliation of fruit vegetable growers FVO contribute to leadership with the right skill set. More than ever before, leadership and cooperation are vital to facilitate the necessary transitions (what a dreadful word). The urban agglomerations of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Brainport Eindhoven have been identified as the most vital regions in the new policy document on spatial planning . The southern Randstad conurbation with large horticulture clusters is not included. Tech firm ASML is, rightly, the name everyone is currently going wild for. However, the high-tech horticultural cluster that grows healthy produce with love and commitment has at least as much potential. Keep pressing, show leadership and form collaborative partnerships. With existing leaders and new, young talent. This is the way forward to help us win again together by playing an attractive game that garners positive reactions nationally and internationally. Saturday the 6th of July is the International Day of Cooperatives. Interesting to see what happens…..
