Dümmen Orange and HAS make people grow

Dümmen Orange and HAS University of Applied Sciences (HAS Hogeschool) have developed and launched a unique program for the international farm specialists of Dümmen Orange.

De Lier (The Netherlands), 3 November 2017 – Dümmen Orange and HAS University of Applied Sciences (HAS Hogeschool) have developed and launched a unique program for the international farm specialists of Dümmen Orange. Goal of this program was to train both our talents and production managers. All participants have passed their exam and received their certificate.

During one year, a group of 14 growers were trained in developing their knowledge and skills in the field of horticulture growing. They learned to find root causes, experiment on solutions, working together and gain more theoretical knowledge on plant growing. As part of the program, they also visited customers in Germany and The Netherlands. Tanzanian Dümmen Orange employee Mirjam Mkuki says:”I want to thank Dümmen Orange for giving us this opportunity. I have learned so much during the last year and can apply it directly in my daily work. Having more deep insights on plant physiology, light reactions, fertilisers and micro climates helps me to grow a better product for our customers.”

The program idea was set up by Bert Kuyper (Dümmen Orange Operations Advisor East Africa). Bert is truly proud of this result: “My ambition is to help our growers in their personal and professional development. We produce good quality products and we need to have better understanding of preventing and solving possible issues. Investing in our future talent and management makes our business more sustainable. It gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience. One of the Dümmen Orange values is called ‘Evolving Excellence’. It shows how we help our colleagues, systems and customers satisfaction to improve by doing it better every day. I’m impressed how they pick up the learnings and how it impacts our operations on the farm already in a positive way.”

The final presentation and the lessons learned were presented to Biense Visser (CEO Dümmen Orange), followed by a group picture. We congratulate all of the attendees and wish them all the best in applying their knowledge and experience!

Next year a new group of colleagues will be invited for the study program, in cooperation with HAS Hogeschool.

About Dümmen Orange
Dümmen Orange is a leading company in the breeding and development of cut flowers, bulbs, tropical plants, pot plants, bedding plants and perennials. Its annual turnover is around €260 m. The company employs over 7,300 people worldwide. In addition to a large marketing and sales network, Dümmen Orange has a diversified network of specialized production sites. The key to Dümmen Orange’s success is a broad and deep product range, supported by a global supply chain. The company embraces its social responsibilities and invests in the health, safety and personal development of its staff.

About HAS University of Applied Sciences
HAS University of Applied Sciences is the leading centre of academic expertise, training and education in the southern Netherlands for the agribusiness, food and environment sectors. HAS has two prime locations in the cities of Den Bosch and Venlo. HAS is a medium-sized institution with a strong focus on the dynamic triangle of students, lecturers and business. Our core values ‘involved, enterprising and independent’ play a central role in our three main activities: education, commercial knowledge transfer and knowledge development.

Bachelor’s programmes taught in Dutch
Business Management in Agriculture and Food, Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming, Food Innovation, Geo Media & Design, Management of the Living Environment, Environmental Studies, Applied Biology, Horticulture, Agriculture and Food Technology.

Bachelor’s programmes taught in English
Business Management in Agriculture & Food, International Food & Agribusiness and Horticulture & Business Management.

For more information:
Bert Kuyper - Operations Advisor East Africa
b.kuyper@dummenorange.com / +255 756 445 500/+27 764 963 711