Dümmen Orange and HAS University provide education program for growers

Dümmen Orange and HAS University of Applied Sciences (HAS Hogeschool) have developed and launched a program for the international farm specialists of Dümmen Orange. Goal of this program was to train both 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 by Biense Visser (CEO Dümmen Orange), followed by a group picture. Next year a new group of colleagues will be invited for the study program, in cooperation with HAS Hogeschool.

For more information:
Dümmen Orange
www.dummenorange.com

Publication date: Mon 6 Nov 2017