Van Iperen is heavily investing in innovations to ensure the future sustainability of vegetable, fruit, flower, and plant cultivation. "Our mission is to make cultivation more sustainable and profitable," says Jan Opschoor, Director of Sustainability & Business Development. "Collaboration within the supply chain is essential for this. To strengthen this, we are looking for a Manager Advocacy & Supply Chain Collaboration Agri. A role with impact, where practice and strategy come together."
You are one of the largest players in cultivation advice. What sets Van Iperen apart?
"Van Iperen is a growth specialist. We distinguish ourselves in knowledge of plant growth. With our expertise in plant health, we advise and support our customers with all the challenges in their cultivation. Unique to Van Iperen is that we serve the entire sector: from arable farming, open-field vegetable cultivation, and horticulture to fruit cultivation, flower bulb cultivation, livestock farming (pasture, corn, etc.), to landscaping, gardeners, and sports fields. This creates cross-pollination. For example, with onion plants, we have developed a system where we precisely apply fertilizers with irrigation. The knowledge comes from greenhouse horticulture, where this has been practiced for years. We now also apply this fertigation method to flower bulb crops."
Plant health is your specialty. What does this involve?
"In addition to feeding (such as fertilization, adequate water), it involves strengthening the plant, for example with biostimulants. Furthermore, protecting the plant from diseases and pests is essential for a good harvest. This can be done with (green) plant protection products, but increasingly also with biology. Beneficial insects are used against harmful ones. It requires a close interaction."
What role does digitalization play in this?
"Developing digital tools is one of our priorities. We have a strong ICT team that develops a lot to support our growers and advisors. By collecting a lot of data, for example, in the 'My Growth' tool, we can better predict how a crop develops and responds to conditions and cultivation measures. This way, we can optimize crop growth
with minimal emissions. With another digital tool, we map the soil potential. We develop maps that indicate the soil fertility. This way the grower knows: here I need to add more fertilizers; there, a little less."
An important issue is the societal trend towards less pesticide use. How do you deal with this?
"If there is one issue for farmers and horticulturists, it is: How do I keep my plants healthy? This includes questions like: How do we keep the water healthy? How do we limit CO2 emissions? Most growers really want to take steps. But in addition to biological control agents and green products, growers still need chemical plant protection to keep a crop healthy. We have a large research department. We are at the forefront of innovation. We research the optimal application of new, green products. At the same time, we work on policy influence to accelerate the approval of these types of products. So that sustainable alternatives come to the market faster."
What other challenges do you face?
“We aim to transition to circular fertilizers and reduce our impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The production of artificial fertilizers currently leads to a lot of CO2 emissions. In Hardenberg, we have developed a factory together with other parties where fertilizers for drip irrigation are made from animal manure. We extract the pure nitrogen from the residual stream of a biogas plant and convert it with bacteria into liquid, clear, and pure fertilizers. A great example of a circular process with a very low footprint, but where a lot still needs to be done in terms of market development.”
You collaborate extensively within the industry and the supply chain. Why is that?
“The current, complex issues require a joint approach throughout the entire chain. That is why we are active in multiple industry organizations, both at the management level and in various committees, working groups, and sector projects. In addition to the established industry organizations, we see new types of collaborations emerging. Groups of entrepreneurs taking the initiative themselves. It is promising to work with these frontrunners on innovations and pilots. For example, we support around 30 practical pilot companies in horticulture under the name 100% Grown Green. The goal is to establish profitable cultivation using only biology, green methods, and technological solutions. It’s great to collaborate with driven entrepreneurs in this way.”
The new role will significantly contribute to collaborations in the sector. What does that look like?
“It's a versatile role. You regularly interact with our advisors who see the daily challenges of growers. Additionally, you represent Van Iperen to external partners and in industry organizations. So, one moment, you may be walking through potatoes or chrysanthemums with one of our hundred advisors to experience the practical side. You see an arable farmer at a loss because he has phytophthora in his potatoes and can't intervene.
The next day, you might be reading policy documents on water quality or sitting with colleague companies to discuss and influence the Crop Protection Covenant. The dynamic mix of practical work and dealing with policy and collaboration characterizes this role.”
Who are you looking for?
“Someone who is grounded in reality and capable of analyzing issues. Sensitivity and knowledge of the agricultural sector are essential so you can understand what is needed for plant growth. Sensitivity and sharpness are also important. It's great if you have a sense of what is happening socially and politically. By having a sense of future issues, we can proactively search for solutions. Furthermore, you should be able to work independently, collaborate effectively, and handle resistance.”
You have been working at Van Iperen for 2.5 years now. What appeals to you about this company?
“What I find beautiful about this family business is its agility and long-term vision. It's not just about profit here, but mainly about investing in innovations for the long term for our customers.”
“I derive energy and passion from the meaning of my work. At Van Iperen, you can have an impact on food security issues and the importance of greenery around us. How can we do that sustainably? Ensuring biodiversity, soil, and water quality are in order. And how do we ensure that our growers can earn their living sustainably? That they are not pushed aside as polluters, but can proudly do their work. I want to contribute to that.”
A family business has its own culture. What characterizes the atmosphere here?
"Van Iperen is straightforward. There is an atmosphere of 'just be yourself'. Most directors here do not have their own office, but work among the people. Even though Van Iperen now has around 500 employees; the owner likes to personally greet new people. This approachability defines the atmosphere at Van Iperen. Also towards our customers, we emphasize: we stand among our customers, the farmers and horticulturists."
What does Van Iperen have to offer the new colleague?
"Due to the flat organization, you get to know everyone quickly. We have specialists in-house in various crops that you can rely on. You will have three to four colleagues with whom you collaborate on sustainability and cooperation themes. In addition, there is already a wide, existing network of industry and chain collaborations."
