For today’s growers, walking the crop and interpreting technical data go hand in hand. Pieter Kwaakernak (General Manager for Hoogendoorn America) joins us to delve into the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into greenhouse management. He highlights how sensors, automation, and data analytics are creating optimal conditions for plant growth –yet not replacing the vital experience and human touch of the growers themselves.

“Technology and new developments you have to see as an opportunity to do better; to do better as a grower, to have more acreage under your control, to do things more efficiently, and most of all, have more fun in what you’re doing…” –Pieter Kwaakernak

Pieter Kwaakernak is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in the horticulture sector. He currently holds the role as General Manager at Hoogendoorn and is responsible for the Canadian market. 

Pieter’s profound connection to horticulture traces back to his roots. Hailing from a family of farmers in Friesland, NL, he embarked on his educational journey in the Netherlands at AOC Terra in Frederiksoord, where he earned his degree in Plant Production and Management. Pieter’s pursuit of knowledge led him to further studies in Deventer and culminated in a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and International Business from Larenstein University in Wageningen.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Pieter remains an active advocate for sustainable horticulture practices. He believes in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address the challenges facing the industry, such as climate change and resource constraints.

Hoogendoorn Growth Management is a leading player in the field of horticulture technology and many of the greenhouses in Ontario, BC, and Quebec are using Hoogendoorn climate control solutions such as the IIVO climate control system (a system that Pieter played a vital role in introducing to the Canadian horticulture landscape).

To learn more about Plant Empowerment, visit plantempowerment.com, and LetsGrow.com (proud founders and Implementation Partners of the Plant Empowerment community).

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