For horticultural businesses with high-tech greenhouses, finding qualified personnel is a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to technically skilled growers. "Most growers can manage a crop reasonably well, but optimizing the final few percentage points makes a huge difference. One extra kilogram of product per square meter represents a significant increase in revenue," explains Frans Neijenhuis. Additionally, the sector heavily relies on advanced technology to improve cultivation. "Growers not only need knowledge of crops but also of the technology being used."
To address this growing problem, Frans established High-Tech Growers Recruitment. The new company aims to connect growers and businesses worldwide, helping to alleviate the labor shortage in the market.
Structural challenges
The challenges in finding cultivation personnel are not confined to a specific region. "Globally, from America and Canada to Europe and Asia, we see a shortage of well-trained growers," says Frans. One major cause is the aging population. "Young people are less inclined to pursue a career as a grower. The sector isn't perceived as appealing enough, and the younger generation has a different mindset regarding work-life balance. They prefer more leisure time over higher wages and often wish to work from home a few days a week."
Furthermore, the lack of specialized educational programs in various countries also plays a role in this shortage.
Platform for growers and companies
With High-Tech Growers Recruitment, Frans aims to tackle the issue of finding high-tech growers for businesses. "We offer a platform that connects high-tech growers with companies seeking specific skills. This way, we help businesses find qualified employees faster while also expanding career opportunities for professionals in the sector."
The company doesn't only focus on Dutch growers. "We place growers from various countries. In America, for instance, we work extensively with Americans and Mexicans due to strict work visa regulations. However, in countries with more flexible regulations, we also place other nationalities," says Frans.
Examples include Greeks in Canada, Germans in Kazakhstan, and Dutch growers in China. Moreover, the platform is not exclusively for experienced high-tech growers. "Whether you're a seasoned high-tech grower or an assistant grower with growth potential, it's all about the right match."
Understanding the sector
As the son of a grower, Frans knows the industry well and understands the demands of working in a high-tech greenhouse. This background forms the foundation of the new approach and platform. "We not only understand the technical challenges but also the passion and craftsmanship required to produce high-quality products."
In 2012, together with Marinus Geurtsen, Frans founded The Recruiting Specialist (TRS), a recruitment agency active in various sectors, including fresh produce and floriculture. "At TRS, we have successfully placed countless growers with leading companies in North America and Europe. With High-Tech Growers Recruitment, the focus is now entirely on high-tech growers worldwide."
"The Recruiting Specialist remains the go-to partner for recruitment needs in fresh produce, floriculture, and food & beverage, while proudly expanding its offerings to include High-Tech Growers Recruitment. This allows the company to combine existing expertise with a new specialization without compromising the quality and attention clients have come to expect."
Flexible opportunities
The assignments mediated by High-Tech Growers Recruitment range from temporary positions to permanent contracts. "Sometimes it's for a specific period, but we also mediate permanent positions," Frans explains. He notes that legal matters, such as work permits, are typically the responsibility of the employers. "We focus on matching the grower with the company."
With High-Tech Growers Recruitment, Frans hopes not only to address the shortage of technically skilled growers but also to enhance the sector's appeal. "The world of high-tech horticulture offers tremendous opportunities, and we want to make those opportunities accessible to everyone."
For more information:
High-Tech Growers Recruitment
Frans Neijenhuis
[email protected]
www.htg-recruitment.com