Blue Radix is very proud of our nomination for the Dutch 2026 Agribusiness Award. This recognition underscores the growing importance of autonomous control in greenhouse horticulture, where we contribute to the global food supply in a sustainable and efficient manner, even where crop expertise is scarce.
With autonomous climate and irrigation control by Crop Controller, we help greenhouse horticulture companies ensure continuity, perform better and more sustainably, and grow further, as well as strengthening the entire sector. It is an honor to be nominated along with big names like Albert Heijn and Royal GD. We see this nomination as a great appreciation for our mission and the impact that autonomous greenhouse control with AI is already making worldwide. Read the full press release below.
PRESS RELEASE January 19, 2026
The Agribusiness Award jury has announced the three nominees. Albert Heijn, Blue Radix and Royal GD are competing this year for the coveted award, which will be presented at the ABN AMRO Open in Ahoy Rotterdam on February 10, 2026. In all, the jury received no less than 34 applications this year,showcasing a wide variety of innovations from the full breadth of the agricultural and food sector.
The large number of entries underscores the capacity for innovation in the Dutch agricultural and food sector. The Agribusiness Award, an initiative by ABN AMRO and DCA Market Intelligence, is designed to encourage that power of innovation. Be it a product, service or chain concept, large or small, sustainable innovations deserve a stage. An expert jury evaluates all entries and had a tough job at it this year.
“We received many innovations, of good quality and with an even spread across the sectors,” says jury chairman Laurens Sloot, director of EFMI Business School and professor of Retail & Entrepreneurship. “The award is widely supported. It’s great to see that the innovative strength in the sector remains great and that retail is also increasingly connected to farming.” Sloot chose the following three finalists along with Aalt Dijkhuizen, Pierre Berntsen and Jan Opschoor.
Albert Heijn’s Better for Nature & Farmer.
“With the Better for Nature & Farmer (Beter voor Natuur & Boer) program, Albert Heijn is making an important contribution to the Dutch innovation and sustainability agenda. A chain-wide program in which Albert Heijn is making long-term agreements with farmers and growers about revenue models, animal welfare, biodiversity and carbon reduction. With premiums for sustainability and its positioning as an independent quality mark, Better for Nature & Farmer shows how cooperation leads to a future-proof and innovative food system.”
Crop Controller from Blue Radix
“A leading AI company that enables autonomous growing and scales access to its crop expertise for the global greenhouse industry. With Crop Controller, Blue Radix optimizes climate and irrigation fully autonomously. Very valuable in view of the reduced availability of cultivation and other specialist expertise. Crop Controller leads to higher yields, lower energy consumption and future-proof greenhouses. An impressive example of how AI contributes to an efficient and sustainable food supply.”
FlockVision from Royal GD
“Royal GD has developed an innovative camera system with FlockVision that uses AI to continuously monitor six key behaviors of poultry and identify abnormalities at any early stage. FlockVision provides real-time insight into animal health and welfare, enhancing the farmer’s peace of mind and enabling targeted, efficient management. A fine example of data-driven animal welfare in practice.”
In the coming period, the nominees will pitch their innovations to the judges.
Several criteria are considered. For example, it must be a sustainable innovation that has already proven itself in practice, has good market potential and demonstrably yields financial benefit to the Dutch farmer and horticulturist. The winner of the 2026 Agribusiness Award will be announced on February 10, 2026.
