For Luuk, it started with a simple idea: gaining experience with a grower abroad. Looking back, he has now spent over a month in Portugal, working alongside the team at Emergosol. It was an experience that enriched him not only professionally, but personally as well. As a student of International Business and Management, he was given the opportunity to truly connect theory with practice.
Alongside his studies, Luuk works at Farmhouse, where he had previously completed an internship. Always curious and eager to gain new experiences, he asked a straightforward question himself: could he temporarily work for a grower? The opportunity became reality. On his own, he travelled to central Portugal to join Emergosol, a grower specialising in products such as bimi and butternut squash. It was exciting, but above all a unique opportunity to learn the business from the source.
While Luuk would normally spend most of his time in lecture halls, he was now fully immersed in day-to-day operations. He analysed production costs, visited different growing locations and gained insight into the entire cultivation process. “You suddenly see everything that happens before the product arrives in Poeldijk,” he explains. “It gives you a much greater appreciation for the entire process.”
One of the most valuable lessons was learning to be independent. In a new environment, you have to take initiative and find solutions yourself. That is exactly what made the experience so educational. It complemented his studies perfectly and provided practical insights that simply cannot be learned from textbooks.
One thing that immediately stood out to him was the warm welcome. “From day one, everyone was friendly and open. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge.”
This says a great deal about the relationship between Farmhouse and its growers. At Emergosol, collaboration is not only about working together; it is built on trust and commitment. The partnership with Farmhouse is highly valued, characterised by short lines of communication and personal contact.
This is where Connecting Smiles truly comes to life. In the way we interact, and in the way we grow together.
Outside of work, Luuk also gained valuable market insights. He visited local supermarkets and noticed clear differences compared with the Netherlands. “A lot of fruit and vegetables are displayed loose in crates, with less packaging. And in general, prices are slightly lower.”
He also learned about several interesting developments from the grower:
It highlights the importance of staying close to the source.
There was also plenty of time to experience Portugal beyond work. During the week, Luuk worked from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Afterwards, he cooked, relaxed and took care of everyday activities. Weekends were reserved for exploring and unwinding. “The house where I stayed had a swimming pool, so I often spent some time relaxing in the sun. At weekends, I visited nearby towns and villages.”
This combination made the experience complete: working, learning and creating lasting memories.
For Luuk, this was more than just a period of work experience. It gave him a deeper understanding of the supply chain, the products and, most importantly, the people behind them. “I had an unforgettable time.”
His experience demonstrates just how closely Farmhouse works with its growers. Emergosol is a great example: a company driven by passion, expertise and an open culture. We highly value this partnership.
At the same time, it shows that Farmhouse creates opportunities for both colleagues and students who are willing to take initiative and develop themselves.
Whether you are in Poeldijk or walking through the fields in Portugal, it ultimately comes down to the same thing: strengthening one another and building the future together.
Connecting Smiles, far beyond Poeldijk.
