My Journey in Agriculture

I was born in 1979 on a 200-hectare arable farm set on the clay soils of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. The farm was the heart of my childhood, I spent countless hours outdoors, working in the yard and fields. Those early days of sowing, harvesting, and learning from nature instilled in me a deep respect for the land and laid a lasting foundation for my future.

My connection to farming runs even deeper: my family’s legacy is documented in a book dating back to 1600, and I am proud to be the 11th generation continuing this enduring tradition. Our heritage is further symbolized by our family coat of arms, proudly displayed on this page.

Returning to the Netherlands, I stepped into the international agriculture and food business. Determined to blend practical farming with strategic business acumen, I earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Although my passion for the family farm remained strong, economic realities led to its sale in 2006, a decision that opened new doors for me.

With dual master’s degrees in hand, I began my career as a management trainee at Cargill, building a solid foundation over six years. Seeking a closer connection to the farming community, I then joined Tradin Organic and later served as a purchasing manager at LambwestonMeijer, where I forged innovative, sustainable partnerships with farmers.

My journey continued at McCain Foods, the world’s leading french fry producer, where I advanced to Vice President Agriculture for continental Europe. It was in this role that I encountered regenerative agriculture firsthand, working with initiatives like the Earthworm Foundation initiative in France and McCain’s “Farms of the Future” to promote environmentally friendly potato cultivation.

At that point, my diverse experiences converged. My roots in farming, expertise in soil science, and deep understanding of the supply chain revealed a crucial insight: conventional agriculture is no longer sustainable, and our soils are gradually deteriorating. I realized I possessed a unique blend of skills and passion that enabled me to guide the food processing industry toward a regenerative model—one that produces higher-quality, more nutritious food using fewer resources. This approach not only boosts profitability for farmers but also secures a long-term supply of premium agricultural raw materials and nurtures our environment for future generations.

If my journey resonates with you, I warmly invite you to reach out. Whether you’re inspired by the challenges I’ve overcome or are curious about how regenerative agriculture can redefine success for your business, I’m eager to hear from you.

I believe that by sharing our experiences and insights, we can collectively pave the way toward a future where sustainable practices enhance both profitability and the well-being of our environment.

Please feel free to contact me for an open, honest dialogue about your vision and how I can contribute to your journey.