Young Agrofood Professionals learn from each other

Young agricultural entrepreneurs do not have to reinvent the wheel themselves, but can learn from each other and from colleagues. This is why the LLTB/ LIOF network Young Agrofood Professionals was started a year and a half ago. The young professionals are between the ages of 20 and 35 and need development in their businesses. They want to approach things differently than their predecessors and dare to think out of the box.

Networking meetings are all about innovation, entrepreneurial development, personal development and sharing and applying knowledge and new insights. These young professionals are breaking new ground because they are convinced that a successful business thrives on innovations.

Network inside and outside the industry

Didy Arnold, Innovation Project Leader at the LLTB and initiator of Young Agrofood Professionals, says: "Last year we started with a first group from the LLTB and LIOF network. They are entrepreneurs whom we have deliberately brought together across sectors. Their problems are generic, so they can learn from each other how to solve them." Although their problems are generic, the network is enormously varied. "You get to know other entrepreneurs, you build a bond and share experiences," said broiler farmer Jan Kuipers. "You look into each other's kitchens and see how others do business. You can discuss matters openly. Knowledge exchange occurs and you accelerate your innovative power."

With the diverse group and experiences of others, the young professionals gain slightly different insights. They come into contact with other sectors and companies. For example, there was recently a trip to Toverland in Sevenum. That adds value to the network. "You see other ways to run your business, although it is a challenge to make the translation to your own company," says Amarylli player Stan Wijnen.

Cooperation with LIOF

The cooperation with LOIF is also a conscious choice of the network. "You are stronger by working together. With the available budget you can do twice as much, including organizing network meetings and master classes," says Arnold. LIOF supports innovative entrepreneurs. Since February 1, 2018, LIOF has launched the LimburgAgrofood program. "We want to take the competitiveness of agrofood in Limburg to a higher level by facilitating innovations," explains LIOF's Frans Broeders. "An important means is to bring parties together on relevant themes in cooperation with existing communities to come up with innovative projects."

Support for young farmers by LIOF

LIOF uses three routes to support young entrepreneurs. There is the knowledge project where knowledge sharing is central. In the advice project entrepreneurs can hire expertise for their company and for the innovation project entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy for an innovation within their company.

Source: New Harvest, LIOF