Alongside his studies, he works at Farmhouse, where he had previously completed an internship. Always curious and on the lookout for new experiences, he asked the question himself: could he work temporarily for a grower? He was given that opportunity. On his own, he set off for central Portugal, to Emergosol, a grower specialising in, amongst other things, bimi and bottle gourd. Exciting, but above all a unique chance to get to know the trade up close.
Whilst Luuk normally spends most of his time in the classroom, he was now fully immersed in the practical side of things. He was involved in analysing production costs, visited various sites and observed the entire cultivation process. “You suddenly realise everything that happens before the product arrives in Poeldijk,” he explains. “That gives you a much greater appreciation for the whole process.”
He also learnt, above all, to be independent. In a new environment, you have to show initiative and figure things out for yourself. That’s precisely what made this period so educational. The experience tied in well with his studies and gave him valuable practical insights that he couldn’t get from books.
What struck him straight away was the welcome he received. “From day one, everyone was very friendly and open. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge.”
That says a lot about the relationship between Farmhouse and its growers. At Emergosol, it’s not just about working together, but about trust and commitment. The partnership with Farmhouse is seen as very positive, with short lines of communication and personal contact.
This is where ‘Connecting Smiles’ really comes to life. In how we treat one another and how we grow together.
Luuk also gained valuable insights outside of work. He visited local supermarkets and noticed clear differences compared to the Netherlands. “A lot of fruit and vegetables are sold loose in bins; there’s less packaging. And it’s generally a bit cheaper.”
He also heard about some interesting developments from the grower:
It shows just how important it is to be close to the source.
As well as work, there was also time to experience Portugal. During the week, Luuk worked from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. Afterwards, he cooked and went about his daily routine. At the weekend, there was time to relax. “The house where I was staying had a swimming pool, so I’d often lie there in the sun for a while. And at the weekend, I’d visit nearby towns.”
That combination made the experience complete: working, learning and making new memories.
For Luuk, this was more than just a work placement. It gave him an insight into the supply chain, the product and the people behind it. “I had an unforgettable time.”
This experience shows just how close Farmhouse is to its growers. Emergosol is a fine example of this: a company with passion, expertise and an open culture. We greatly value this partnership.
At the same time, it shows that we offer opportunities – for colleagues and students alike who show initiative and want to develop.
Because whether you’re in Poeldijk or walking amongst the crops in Portugal, ultimately it’s all about the same thing: strengthening one another and building the future together.
Connecting smiles, even far beyond Poeldijk.
