© Rob van LeijsenRob van Leijsen has joined Beekers Soft Fruit Consult as a cultivation advisor for soft fruit. Prior to this, he worked at Jong Fruit for eight years and also served as a cultivation advisor at Delphy.
To provide maximum value from the beginning, Rob is collaborating with two industry veterans: Marcel Beekers and Patrick Coolen, who are well-known figures in the sector. "This collaboration merges expertise, specialization, and a robust network," he explains.
Rob grew up on a nursery that cultivated strawberries and asparagus, which sparked his passion for the industry. After studying at HAS, he spent six years as a cultivation advisor at Delphy, where he honed his skills and learned the intricacies of the trade.
Practical Experience
Since 2017, Rob has been with Jong Fruit B.V., a modern cultivation company with multiple greenhouses and cultivation fields in the municipality of Dongen. "During these years, I gained extensive experience with various crops and varieties, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. At this forward-thinking and dynamic company, I have had the pleasure of contributing to the development of the soft fruit sector. I look back with pride on the collaboration with my colleagues, the shared successes, and the many memorable moments—from valuable professional discussions to informal coffee breaks and company outings."
During his time at Jong Fruit, Rob gained practical experience at both the management and cultivation levels. "Having been on the other side, I've learned what I appreciate in an advisor. It's important to me to communicate advice in a practical and clear manner, collaborate with the grower, and share experiences." In recent years, Rob has been deeply involved with cultivation, crop protection, forecasting, and developing cultivation concepts.
Rob is eager to contribute to the future of the soft fruit sector. His mission is to advise and support growers, plant growers, and breeders to help their businesses thrive in a rapidly changing market. "The future for agricultural entrepreneurs is full of opportunities, but it also demands vision, knowledge, and adaptability. I aim to be a valuable sparring partner in this journey."
For more information:
Rob van Leijsen
rob@softfruitconsult.nl