FRC Randwijk, in collaboration with the NFO and Platformfruitvooruit.nl, is organizing the annual Youth, Sponsors and Supporters Day, titled: “Working Together for a Future Perspective.”

Tuesday Afternoon, May 27, 2025
Doors open at 2:45 PM

During the event, Aryan and Siep will reflect on the successes and lessons learned from the practical program Resilience in Practice. They will explain which results can already be applied by growers and what challenges still need to be overcome on the path toward healthy and resilient fruit crops by 2030. Aryan will focus on the practical aspects, while Siep will highlight the needs in research and lobbying.

The program continues with three guest speakers:

• Alex Ouwehand (Director of the South Holland Environmental Federation) will share his vision on how entrepreneurs and NGOs can strengthen each other to achieve nature and environmental goals, while also creating space for agricultural entrepreneurship.

• Bernd Feenstra (Horticulture Sector Manager at Rabobank) will outline what national banks are being asked for by various stakeholders, such as politicians, the European Central Bank, NGOs, and others. He will also explain how the bank supports entrepreneurs who wish to innovate and seize sustainable market opportunities.

• Dirk Bakker (Strategic Advisor at Van Iperen) will present his vision on how growers and suppliers can effectively collaborate to build future-proof fruit farms.

After a short break, a panel discussion will be held with the speakers, exclusively for sponsors of the trial garden. Meanwhile, young participants will engage in a gamified activity focused on building blocks for an integrated and resilient cropping system. The afternoon program concludes with a networking dinner.

Following dinner, supporters of the trial garden are invited to join the evening program. This consists of guided tours for pome fruit growers, soft fruit growers, and organic growers around the theme of “Integrated Pest Management.” Naturally, these tours will also include the latest varieties and other current developments.