Central office

Goals

The CropXR central office in Utrecht manages, supports, and interconnects the various parts and elements of the institute. It enhances the mission by building and maintaining effective relations with stakeholders and the world at large. There are three liaison officers who facilitate an optimal collaboration between scientific and industrial partners within CropXR. They are a central point of reference for all those working in either the field of ornamentals, vegetables or potato. 

Approach

CropXR is a hybrid organisation that includes scientific institutions, industrial partners and technology innovation companies. The central office stimulates optimal collaboration and knowledge exchange between this diverse group of employees. This is mainly done by events. Every year, the entire community meets jointly twice a year during special one- or two-day events. These meetings focus on either the internal community (autumn meeting) or outside stakeholders (spring meeting). As the CropXR community includes employees with different professional career levels, the needs for professional guidance or exchange among peers differs greatly. The Young CropXR network is an initiative meant to strengthen the ties between CropXR’s early career professionals.

Activities

As the organisation was established not so long ago, many activities of the central office focus on creating the foundations for the institute for the years to come. The management of CropXR often attends conferences and events, both in the Netherlands and abroad. They present the work of CropXR to other actors in the field and forge new connections. Furthermore, the community is informed on relevant news and developments through an (internal) newsletter. Throughout the year, the Young CropXR network meets from time to time in an informal way to learn from each other and strengthen ties.

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Team

Management: Board of Directors 

Auke Damstra, Technology Director 
Guido van den Ackerveken, Scientific Director 
Hedwich Teunissen, Managing Director 

Support Office

Bernard de Geus, Liaison officer Potato 
Christa Testerink, Education director  
Gerard van de Beek, Controller
Hedwich Teunissen, Liaison officer ornamentals 
Henk Huits, Liaison officer vegetables  
Rianne Ettekoven, Program assistant 

Communication & PR

Rachel Visscher, Communication advisor