Henri van der Steen with Walter Biemans in the greenhouse
Henri van der Steen is no stranger in the world of leeks. He grew up amongst them like the Biemans brothers, in his family company. 36 years ago he took over his parents company and grew leek for 12 years after that. In that time Van der Steen sometimes carried out various tests for Pannevis Seeds amongst his leeks. Henri's expertise and dedication in leek cultivation resulted in a new job as a representative/cultivation advisor for Pannevis Seeds, which is now better known as Syngenta. During his time as a representative of leek and leafy vegetables, among other things, with Syngenta Van der Steen became a familiar face with an extensive specialised knowledge.
Spanish leek plants
New challenge
After a reorganisation in Syngenta in 2011 Van der Steen had to find a new challenge after 24 years. This new challenge was at Biemans Plantenkwekerij. Henri: "I to spoke various people in the sector for a few months and finally found my new challenge with the Biemans brothers. The good terms I was on with the family from my time as a grower and representative formed the base for this. I will fill the function of commercial employee for the company. Commercial in the widest sense of the word. I won't just be a representative, I will also handle the promotion and communication."Henri with the tunnel plants
New concept
Henri has been in his new function for over a months now. "In the first month I mainly focused on the customers we don't have yet. Just showing my face is important. Besides that we brought a new concept to the market. We now no longer just supply plants, but also offer cultivation support. On a regular and incidental basis. This can be support for the cultivation, help in the policy around crop protection and fertilization. We can also advise you in forming a growing plan. The special thing about this is that it's available for our customers and those who aren't our customers."About Biemans Plantenkwekerij
The Gemertse plant nursery grows small leek plants in a 2.5 ha greenhouse. Besides this leek plants are grown on 30 ha of open ground. In Southern Spain leek plants are grown for the early segment. Besides growing leek plants the company also grows 30 ha of endives which is sold to Heemskerk. Outside of the endive and leek plants Biemans also grows strawberry plants and does other activities. The most important sales areas of the leek plants besides Holland and Belgium are, Germany, England, Scotland, Switzerland, and Poland.For more information:
Biemans Plantenkwekerij
Henri van der Steen
Deel 70 5421 RV Gemert
06-57011011
0492-361096
[email protected]
www.biemansplant.nl