You are young, grew up in horticulture and want to continue working in this industry. For some it is self-evident, for others it comes about as a stroke of luck. In the magazine of Rabobank Westland two Dutch youngsters tell their story.
Bart de Groot (29) was content with his job as a junior account manager at a plant exporting company. The job fitted well with his education in management & agribusiness and he made various business trips to Sweden. Through his then girlfriend and now wife, he came across an enormous opportunity. Her father and his brother; Aad and Ruud Zinkels took over a cucumber farm from their parents. Over time they wanted to step back from their company, when they could find a suitable successor.
Unique opportunity
‘Last year Aad called me,' Bart explains, 'he asked if, in time, I would consider taking over the company. After consideration, I quit my job and started in the company at the beginning of a new growing season. For the first few months I worked with Aad and Ruud to learn the basics of the business. Gradually I was given more responsibilities. The agreement is that within five years, I will be able to run the company on my own. Of course we have to find a good allocation key for all stakeholders: Aad, Ruud, their kids and me.' Bart certainly does not regret his decision. 'I think it’s a lovely thought to continue the work of my father-in-law. I am getting used to talking to him not only as my father-in-law but also as my business partner. Even if I am just married into the family, the company stays in the family!'
Jurrian van den Beukel (21) from 's-Gravenzande also sees his future in horticulture. Born and raised in the Westland, with two uncles in the horticultural business, his genes lies in the sector. He is at third year student at the University of Horticulture and Agribusiness in Delft. When he was in his last year of the secondary horticultural school, he asked himself, will I stop after this school, will I work the rest of my life for 50 hours a week in the field or will I look further? 'I wanted more, and subscribed to the University of Delft. My specialization is cultivation techniques and breeding. After this study I hope to become an adviser, manager or a breeder for a large firm.' Jurrian has been working for eight years now at Kwekerij Bosbloemen in 's-Gravenzande. Through his experience and relevant knowledge he is more broadly employable than his fellow students. “The owner's son, a good friend of mine, is taking over his father's company. It is not big enough to also employ a manager, so my future doesn't lie in this company.'
Westland
In February, Jurrian has to take up a traineeship for 20 weeks. 'I see myself working for Dutch growers abroad for at least 10 of the 20 weeks. The other 10 weeks I hope to work in the Westland. After I finish studying I hope to get a job in the area. I am a member of the Horticultural Youngsters Westland, each month they have a speaker who talks about subjects like sustainability, finances or marketing in horticulture. This is good for my network. There are always people who can help when you have a question. I am a people person so after studying I do not see myself as a breeder. I'd rather work as a manager or as a representative with an advisory role in horticulture. If it is possible I want to stay in the Westland.'
Bart de Groot (29) was content with his job as a junior account manager at a plant exporting company. The job fitted well with his education in management & agribusiness and he made various business trips to Sweden. Through his then girlfriend and now wife, he came across an enormous opportunity. Her father and his brother; Aad and Ruud Zinkels took over a cucumber farm from their parents. Over time they wanted to step back from their company, when they could find a suitable successor.
‘Last year Aad called me,' Bart explains, 'he asked if, in time, I would consider taking over the company. After consideration, I quit my job and started in the company at the beginning of a new growing season. For the first few months I worked with Aad and Ruud to learn the basics of the business. Gradually I was given more responsibilities. The agreement is that within five years, I will be able to run the company on my own. Of course we have to find a good allocation key for all stakeholders: Aad, Ruud, their kids and me.' Bart certainly does not regret his decision. 'I think it’s a lovely thought to continue the work of my father-in-law. I am getting used to talking to him not only as my father-in-law but also as my business partner. Even if I am just married into the family, the company stays in the family!'
Jurrian van den Beukel, hbo-student Horticulture & Agribusiness: My future lies in horticulture, by preference, here in the Westland
University of DelftJurrian van den Beukel (21) from 's-Gravenzande also sees his future in horticulture. Born and raised in the Westland, with two uncles in the horticultural business, his genes lies in the sector. He is at third year student at the University of Horticulture and Agribusiness in Delft. When he was in his last year of the secondary horticultural school, he asked himself, will I stop after this school, will I work the rest of my life for 50 hours a week in the field or will I look further? 'I wanted more, and subscribed to the University of Delft. My specialization is cultivation techniques and breeding. After this study I hope to become an adviser, manager or a breeder for a large firm.' Jurrian has been working for eight years now at Kwekerij Bosbloemen in 's-Gravenzande. Through his experience and relevant knowledge he is more broadly employable than his fellow students. “The owner's son, a good friend of mine, is taking over his father's company. It is not big enough to also employ a manager, so my future doesn't lie in this company.'
Westland
In February, Jurrian has to take up a traineeship for 20 weeks. 'I see myself working for Dutch growers abroad for at least 10 of the 20 weeks. The other 10 weeks I hope to work in the Westland. After I finish studying I hope to get a job in the area. I am a member of the Horticultural Youngsters Westland, each month they have a speaker who talks about subjects like sustainability, finances or marketing in horticulture. This is good for my network. There are always people who can help when you have a question. I am a people person so after studying I do not see myself as a breeder. I'd rather work as a manager or as a representative with an advisory role in horticulture. If it is possible I want to stay in the Westland.'
Source:
Rabobank
magazine Dichterbij
magazine Dichterbij