From the past to the present

A.S. de Boer is a true family business with nearly 70 years of experience in open-field cultivation. Since our founding in 1956, we have grown into specialists in the cultivation of cabbage, potatoes, and tulips, which we produce on an area of over 300 hectares. Our crops are grown with exceptional care and with sustainability at the heart of our operations. This ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from healthy and high-quality products.

In 2024, the new generation took over the company, securing the future and continuity of A.S. de Boer. We combine traditional expertise with modern technologies and sustainable farming methods, allowing us to work efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition to our focus on quality, we are highly customer oriented. We offer various processing options and customized packaging to meet the specific needs of our customers, both domestically and internationally.

At A.S. de Boer, our priorities are top quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. We continuously develop and adapt to changing market demands and customer needs

Products

At A.S. de Boer, quality is our top priority, regardless of the product. Thanks to a diverse and complementary product portfolio, we optimize the use of our resources, such as land and machinery, and can scale up flexibly.

Cabbage

The fertile West Frisian sea clay provides ideal conditions for growing cabbage. We supply white and red cabbage year-round, and thanks to advanced cooling storage (see Facilities) and cultivation in Spain, we can offer spitskool (pointed cabbage) throughout the year.

For cabbage, we offer extensive processing options tailored to both the processing industry and retail sector. We can drill, chop, split, seal, sticker, package, and label the product—exactly according to customer specifications, including organic options.

Seed Potatoes

With the global demand for seed potatoes increasing, this has become a key pillar of our business. Our seed potatoes are carefully selected and cultivated to ensure excellent quality. For decades, we have successfully exported our potatoes to numerous countries, maintaining a strong focus on reliability and product excellence.

Tulip Bulbs

We take great pride in our tulip cultivation, offering a wide range of cultivars, from classic varieties to the latest innovations. By harvesting our tulip bulbs at the optimal stage, we guarantee a high-quality product that meets the needs of our customers.

Facilities

For the processing and packaging of our cabbage varieties, we operate our own processing lines, where cabbages are mechanically cleaned, sorted, and packaged. These efficient and automated processes allow us to maintain consistent quality and freshness.

To keep our produce in optimal condition, we use ammonia-cooled storage cells. Some of these are equipped with a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) system, which artificially reduces oxygen levels. This slows the respiration rate of the cabbage, extending its shelf life and ensuring that we can supply fresh products year-round without compromising quality.

At the core of our facility is a seven-meter-wide corridor, connecting our storage units to the processing area and, on the other side, to two loading docks. This setup streamlines internal logistics and minimizes unnecessary transport movements.

Additionally, our expedition area features a dedicated cooling cell, where processed products can be stored immediately and efficiently before transportation. This guarantees that our products arrive at their destination in optimal condition.

Sustainability & Certification

As a family business, we always look to the long term. Sustainability is not just a choice; it is an integral part of our business strategy. We are committed to responsible and future-proof farming, continuously investing in innovation and environmentally friendly solutions.

In 1996, we were one of the first agricultural businesses to install a Lagerwey wind turbine, making us pioneers in sustainable energy. Since then, we have continued to expand our efforts. In 2019, we invested in solar panels, allowing the roofs of our barns to generate green electricity.

To further enhance our energy efficiency, in 2024, we expanded our solar panel system with a battery storage unit. This allows us to store surplus energy instead of feeding it back into the grid during peak loads, securing efficient operations.

Our soil is one of our most important production factors. That’s why we focus on healthy soil life and a strong soil structure, ensuring that our land remains resilient against extreme droughts and heavy rainfall—challenges that are becoming increasingly frequent.

To maintain and improve soil quality, we implement the following practices:

• Cover crops and fallow crops to naturally enrich the soil.
• Non-tillage and eco-plowing to protect soil structure.
• Use of organic fertilizers to nourish soil life and enhance fertility.

As open-field growers, we operate in the heart of nature and actively contribute to its preservation. We promote biodiversity by sowing herb-rich field edges, which support pollinators and serves as natural pest control. Besides that, we make conscious crop and cultivation choices, for example, by securing sufficient rest in habitats of birds and other wildlife.

Sustainability is not just an ambition; it is also measurable and verifiable. We are proud of our certifications:

• On the Way to PlanetProof – Sustainable farming with respect for the environment, nature, and biodiversity.
• SKAL – Certified organic farming.
• GlobalG.A.P. – Ensuring food safety, sustainability, and traceability.
• GRASP – Commitment to fair labor conditions and social responsibility.

These certifications confirm that our products are cultivated responsibly, with respect for people, animals, and the environment.

Careers at A.S. de Boer

At A.S. de Boer, we are always looking for passionate and motivated individuals to join our team. As a family business specializing in open-field cultivation of cabbage, potatoes, and tulips, we offer a dynamic work environment where collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a passion for agriculture are central.

Whether you have experience in the agricultural sector or are just starting your career, we provide opportunities for growth and development. We value a proactive attitude and the ability to work independently, but we also offer the support needed to succeed in your role.