On its 125th anniversary, the Dutch company Albers Alligator has joined AVAG, the Dutch association of greenhouse technology suppliers. The decision reflects the intention of owners Michael van der Windt and Lennard Blijdorp to raise the company’s reputation in the market. The two friends took up residence in Wageningen two years ago. The company specializes in manure storage and covering for the agricultural sector, and is known in the horticulture industry for its water storage and water covering products.

Like many Dutch horticultural suppliers, Albers Alligator operates internationally. Van der Windt and Blijdorp saw a strong future in the business and acquired the shares of the previous owner Ronald Edel in 2024. “Global food production is increasing. Fresh water is a challenge in every country. It is an increasingly serious international problem. Producers around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of good water management,” says Michael van der Windt.

The history of Albers Alligator dates back to 1901. The former family business began as a leather and tannery business. “The best leather at the time came from alligators,” explains Van der Windt, referring to the company’s distinctive name. “We have updated the brand over the years, but the name and the crocodile in the logo had to remain.” Innovation has been constant throughout the company’s history. “We experiment a lot and we’re not afraid of a challenge, how can you make something even better? That’s in the DNA of this company.”

© AVAG

Prefab at home
Recent product developments include SiloDome, a dome structure that completely covers water silos, if available, and Multi-F Solar, a floating photovoltaic installation that simultaneously covers water basins. Albers Alligator also handles basin installation. All components are prefabricated in house, and one or two supervisors travel with international projects.

International growth
Historically, the Albers Alligator was the strongest in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Under the new management, the number of international projects will grow rapidly. “We are very ambitious. We have completed many projects in the United States, and we are active in Scandinavia, Japan and Canada, where we completed our largest project to date: a basin measuring 500 meters long and 150 meters wide. Projects in the Netherlands continue to be challenging and equally rewarding.”

‘Time to show more of ourselves’
As part of the partnership, Lennard Blijdorp focuses on internal operations, while Michael van der Windt takes on an externally-facing role. Increased visibility is a key reason for introducing AVAG. “In the Netherlands, many projects are entered through dealers and ground contractors; internationally, we work with large greenhouse builders and installers. Many of our dealers are already members of AVAG. That’s where your industry members are. We have a well-known name, they know Albers Alligator in the Netherlands and abroad. But we think it’s time to make ours even more visible.”

For more information:
ONE
(email protected)
www.avag.nl

Albers Alligator
(email protected)
https://albersalligator.com/

Pennsylvania’s governor is stepping up pressure on lawmakers to send a bill to legalize marijuana in the state, saying doing so would generate new revenue that could be invested in key programs.

“While some in Harrisburg say we can’t make bigger investments in our children, public safety and our economy, know this: If we were to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis, we would generate $1.3 billion in revenue for our Commonwealth in the first five years,” Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said in a social media post Tuesday.

“These are dollars that can be invested in our town and our communities,” he said. “Stop with the excuses. Let’s do this.”

At the beginning of this year, the governor once again included marijuana legalization in his budget request to lawmakersbut so far the parliament has not implemented the reform.

The House of Representatives approved last year a to legalize marijuana and put sales in state dispensariesbut the Republican majority of the Senate has criticized that plan, at the same time not advancing their own cannabis legalization model.

The Independent State Fiscal Office (IFO) announced this in February Legalizing cannabis in Pennsylvania would generate nearly half a billion dollars in annual revenue By 2028, compared to Shapiro’s office projections, revenue is significantly higher.

With a 20 percent excise tax on wholesale cannabis, a 6 percent state sales tax on retail and license fees, the IFO said the governor’s legalization plan would generate $140 million in tax revenue in 2027-2028 and rise to $432 million in 2030-2031.

That’s much higher than what the governor’s office presented in the last executive budget. According to his office’s analysis, legalization would generate about $36.9 billion in tax dollars in the first year from a 20 percent wholesale tax on marijuana, rising gradually to $223.8 million in 2030-2031.

Meanwhile, a recent Quinnipiac University survey found just that A majority of Pennsylvania voters say they are ready for the state to legalize marijuana for adults.

In February, a coalition of drug policy and civil liberties organizations called on Shapiro to play a leadership role bringing together legislative leaders to work on cannabis legalization this session.

Last month, the Senate Law and Justice Committee amended and passed a bill The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) oversees the state’s medical marijuana program and intoxicating hemp products which may eventually regulate adult consumption if legalized in the state.

Speakeasy Dispensary will officially open its newest medical cannabis location in Kentucky at 108 E. Main St., Princeton, KY 42445, further expanding access to patients in Caldwell County and surrounding communities.

The dispensary will open at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10 for registered medical cannabis patients.

Located in the heart of downtown Princeton, the space reflects Speakeasy’s vision to blend local character and a comfortable, patient-first experience. The carefully designed environment provides a welcoming entrance before patients enter the main sales floor, where trained team members provide personalized guidance and education tailored to the individual’s needs.

“Each new location is an opportunity to meet patients where they are,” said Casey Flippo, CEO of Gold Leaf Management. “Communities like Princeton are an important part of Kentucky’s medical cannabis program, and expanding access here means more patients can explore safe and regulated options closer to home. As the program continues to take shape, our focus remains on building something reliable, accessible and rooted in long-term care.”

Opening weekend will feature a low-cost patient drive, offering new and existing patients an affordable and streamlined way to obtain or renew their Kentucky cannabis license.

© Speakeasy Dispensary

In partnership with the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Association and LexMed & Wellness, patient tours will be held Friday, April 10th from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday, April 11th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Appointments will be made with a licensed provider in a mobile unit on site, so patients can complete the entire process, including assessment, notary and state filing, in one visit.

Patients can register for an appointment by clicking here. The appointment fee is $25, and an additional $25 state fee must be paid when submitting documents to the state portal. The $25 state fee is waived for anyone who received a valid medical card in 2025.

As Kentucky’s medical cannabis market continues to develop, product availability and selection will continue to grow along with additional growers and processors entering the space. In addition to flowers and gummies, Speakeasy Princeton plans to have an extensive menu soon after opening, which will include vapes and concentrates, along with a new variety of gummies. Speakeasy continues to focus on providing a consistent education-first experience supported by strong statewide partnerships.