Cannabis News

Making progress with substrate slabs and jute plugs

Published

5 months ago

August 28, 2025

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This summer, some greenhouses in the Netherlands are trying to grow tomatoes, peppers and eggplant: the sheets of organic substrates made with jute. The Holand is an important step for bioproducts, which is a traditional greenhouse. So far, the company has had the greatest success with Jute-based substrates in hydroponics and vertical agriculture.

At Greentech Amsterdam, the Holland Bioproducts presented its range of products, for greenhouse crops, jute pads as well as microgreens and jute plugs. “Right now, our main focus is hydroponics and vertical agriculture,” says sales director Sales de Haan, talking from the company’s office at the World Horti Center.

Holland Bioproducts were founded in 2017, but it brings more than fifteen years of experience to process jute. With this experience, the company develops a high quality compostable alternatives, with traditional substrates like peats and rockwools. Their products are made from a specific part of the jute plant fibers, asian (combined with other European raw materials).

© thijmen tiersma | Mmjdaily.comReinout Broorkers, Rob Teep and Arjen de Haan (Holland bioproducts) Grandech Amsterdam in 2025

Elastic crop
Jute plugs have a unique conical form and sowing sowing, because they are designed to sow and disseminate hydroponic systems. Sometimes, while they need small adjustments, accessing existing configurations, large international customers are widely used, Arjen explained. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Middle East, and Australia are successfully growing in the substrates of Holland bioproducts.

For microphen farms, the Holland bioproducts provides a completely organic blue line series, adapted to the pads, crop types and harvesting method, with or without roots.

The current movement of the more elastic crop is playing in the hands of the company. Piper production, increasingly increasingly changing alternatives from traditional substrates. For this market, Holland Bioproducts has developed a substrate sheet made with jute, mixed with miscthus and other herbs.

“It’s a really mix of organic fibers,” Arjen explained. “Jute gives strength, miscanthus adds aimena and the grass gives the volume. All components are sterilized to ensure safe crop.” Parts are more suitable than peppers, tomatoes and eggplants can also grow in them.

In collaboration with the manufacturers of the system
Holland Bioproducts entered worldwide as a recently participant and became a member of the Dutch Greenhouse Delta, a network that contains many technical suppliers. “It’s very valuable for us,” Arjen says. “We explore how to adapt the system manufacturers together to make sure the systems can operate successfully with our substrates.”

Within the Dutch Delta Greenhouse, it has become an active company in the Middle East module. “We see strong growth there, like the use of peat in the pressure under pressure, is another important region of Scandinavia, where the Middle East is a key sustainability driver.”

Footprint
To measure sustainability, Holand Bioproducts had its substrates evaluated by the universities and research of Wagening. “The results showed that our substrates are very well compared. Our footprint is significantly lower,” Arjen confirmed.

The numbers are very promising, especially for sheets used in fruit vegetables. “These slabs combine the grass and miscanthus. About 70% and 80% of raw materials help maintain a low footprint.”

Scaling with a slab
Holland bioproduces are making continuous progress with its plugs and microgreen substratum, following new tests on the vegetable substrate slab. Soon, they will meet the farms to review the results of the season. “So far, the crops are growing well. Lately in heat containers, the breeders did not need to add more irrigation,” Arjen says. Looking up to 2026, the Netherlands expects to test four growers, that the slabs will be expanded to use a larger scale, and other breeders will begin with smaller rehearsals.

Arjen explained that the initial phase of the farming requires special attention. The growers cannot use the same methods applied with old substrates. However, as they are testing more crops, the growers are beginning to see the benefits of changing alternative materials. An example of jute, after use is completely composting. “This saves money to throw money costs,” Arjen says. Jute has a lower environmental impact, requiring less water than coca, and is certified according to the regulation of fertility products (FPR).

Pre-cultivated slab
To fulfill the growing request and improve local availability, the Holland bioproducts is opening a new facility in the Middle East. Here, Jute will be sterilized and processed from India and Bangladesh, improving logistics and efficiency. In the future, the company also grows the opportunity to produce plugs on the site, helping to reduce costs even more.

“But first, our priority is to know more breeders to grow jute options,” Arjen says. It is an attractive product that can help you, the Holland bioprons has just added to its range. These slabs are aimed at other garden centers and other consumer vendors, but it is the surprise of Arjen, as well as interest in professional producers. “It really wasn’t something I expected,” he admits with a smile.

For more information:
Holland bioproducts
(Protected by email)
https://hollandbioproducts.com/

Related Topics:jute Making plugs progress slabs substrate

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Oklahoma Governor wants to shut down medical cannabis program

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt he said He wants to return the state’s medical marijuana program to voters. In his State of the State address, Stitt called for a state question in 2026 for citizens to decide whether to end the program, citing concerns about “bad actors” and criminal influence.

Dispensary owner Dana Herrick he reacted to the adHe noted that in 2018 medical cannabis was approved by voters. Herrick said the program gave patients access to drugs and raised questions about what returning the issue to a public vote would mean for existing companies.

The state’s medical cannabis system has grown since 2018. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees growers, processors and dispensaries with more than 1,500 active licenses. Regulators have implemented measures such as credential checks and a temporary moratorium on new licenses to manage the industry’s growth.

Cannabis News

Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

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Virginia senators have passed a pair of bills to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and reduce penalties for people with prior cannabis convictions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-6 on Wednesday to advance legislation for Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) to sell marijuana. Members also voted 12-TK3 to approve Senate President Louise Lucas’ (D) anti-cannabis measure.

Both measures then go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, potentially before reaching a date.

Aird told colleagues in Wednesday’s speech that his bill “establishes a marketplace that protects consumers and puts health and safety first, ensures a balance in our regulatory framework that ensures legalization is consistent with public health and safety goals, and avoids past mistakes built into alcohol laws that allow the legal substance to continue to be criminalized.”

“I know there’s interest in aligning the approach we take in this legislation with (the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s) enforcement structure, but if we do that too narrowly, we risk building a legal system that relies on arrests, mandatory fines, mandatory minimums, prison sentences and low-level offenses,” he said. “And that approach has failed with alcohol and will fail again for cannabis.”

The panel accepted several amendments from Sen. Scott Surovell (D), the panel’s chairman, over Aird’s objection.

Among the changes are amendments to “essentially align the penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol with the illegal sale of marijuana,” Surovell said, bringing the penalties for minors in possession of cannabis on par with those for alcohol.

Another bench-approved amendment adds criminal penalties for buying marijuana from an unlicensed dealer.

Marijuana Justice’s Chelsea Higgs Wise supported the overall bill, but expressed concern about the recently passed criminal amendments, calling it “a step backwards.”

A representative of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP also said, “If we really want to prepare our children for success, we’re not going to criminalize them, but we’re going to figure out how to support them so they can make better choices.”

JM Pedini, director of development for advocacy group NORML and executive director of Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the organization is “deeply concerned about committee members’ re-criminalization of cannabis users and mandatory minimum approvals for marijuana.”

“It is particularly troubling that as this body moves to address resentment of marijuana-related penalties, it is simultaneously entertaining new ways to further criminalize consumers,” Pedini said.

Approval of the amended sales invoice comes in about a week The House General Laws Committee approved a supplemental version of the legislationDel. Paul Krizek (D).

As passed in committee, the legislation is largely in line with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

the senate the version calls for sales to begin on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that the sale of cannabis for adult consumption can begin on November 1 of this year.

Here are the main details of Virginia’s legal marijuana sales legislation:

Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.
A tax of up to 12.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a 1.125 percent state retail and use tax on top of a new 8 percent marijuana-specific tax. Local governments can charge an additional 3.5 percent.
The tax revenue would be divided between the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Investment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs, and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage use.
Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
Delivery services would be allowed.
Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $10 million license conversion fee.
Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Just sworn Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults.

Another cannabis law passed by a Senate committee Wednesday would require people with certain felonies to automatically receive resentencing hearings and adjust their sentences. A Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. Also advanced House Companion version of (D). recently

The legislation would create a process for people who are incarcerated or under community supervision for certain crimes involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana to receive an automatic sentencing hearing.

The invoice It applies to people with convictions or convictions for conduct that occurred before July 1, 2021, when a state law that legalized personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.

The panel approved some technical changes before passing the legislation.

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Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have introduced other marijuana-related legislation for the 2026 session, among other things. allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Mike Latimer’s photo.

Marihuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Gavita International launches Agrolux Operating System

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2026

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During Fruit Logistica, Gavita International launches the future Agrolux Operating System and the LYRA modular product platform. “The latest developments highlight Gavita International’s evolution into a fully integrated solution that supports growers throughout the crop cycle,” says CEO Marc Salvany.

After the management buyout on October 1, 2025, Gavita International is led by Marc Salvany (CEO) and Ad van der Vorst (CFO). With the launch of the Agrolux Actuator System, Gavita International is presenting not only a future-ready platform, but also its new strategic location: this presentation is the basis for the future developments of the globally operating lighting systems supplier.

The launch of the Agrolux brand underlines the company’s strategic move towards a fully integrated solution for professional growers.

Agrolux Operating System
“The Agrolux Operating System is a future-proof and user-friendly platform that enables professional farmers to improve performance, efficiency and return on investment, while actively contributing to a more sustainable, circular and resilient horticultural ecosystem,” explained Marc. “It supports electrical power and wireless communication, the Horticultural Lighting Protocol (HLP), and can work seamlessly with a climate computer or standalone. The system is also fully compatible with all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires as well as third-party brands.”

The Agrolux Operating System has capabilities on its development page, such as AI-based lighting strategies and integration with sensors, providing advanced automation, monitoring and control for modern greenhouse operations. The Agrolux Operating System protects existing investments while enabling smarter and more sustainable farming.

LYRA: the modular product platform of the future, fully complementary to the Agrolux portfolio
Together with the Agrolux Operating System, Gavita International is proudly developing LYRA; A new modular and future product platform to support current and next generation greenhouses. “At the heart of the LYRA platform is a modular design that supports multiple applications, including multi-channel configurations to enable lighting strategies, combined with a flexible power range from 340W to 1200W, depending on the producer’s requirements.”

The LYRA is designed around a single driver housing concept that allows LED modules to be added, upgraded and adjusted, ensuring the luminaire adapts to evolving technology, regulations and grower needs. Together with LYRA, the Agrolux OS system will continue to offer renewed features and innovations to the product platform.

LYRA complements the entire Agrolux (LED) luminaire portfolio, and the Agrolux Operating System supports all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires. “Together, they are designed to offer the professional greenhouse grower as much as possible
flexibility and long-term certainty in a rapidly evolving technology innovation landscape.”

LYRA will initially be available in a 4-channel version.

The defining moment
“Unveiling the Agrolux Operating System and previewing LYRA at Fruit Logistic is a defining moment for our company. This presentation marks a significant and exciting chapter for Gavita International, thanks to our dedicated team and the continued support of our trusted partners and respected growers. We look forward to meeting visitors in Berlin and showcasing our new developments,” said Marc.

Live demonstration at Fruit Logistica
At Fruit Logistica 2026, Gavita International will demonstrate the Agrolux operation
System live at stand A-46 in the Dutch Pavilion (Hall 3.2), seen first hand.
LIRA

Appointments for a demonstration can be booked online.

For more information:
Gavita International
(email protected)
www.agrolux.com