In this series, we introduce you to the people behind CropXR. Who are they, what do they do, and why are they passionate about their work for CropXR?
Name: Clemens Stolk
What is your professional role within CropXR?
I support and represent four potato processing companies within CropXR: Aviko, FarmFrites, LambWeston and McCain.
Can you describe this role in a nutshell?
These four companies participate in the CropXR potato satellite. The research of CropXR Potato aims to contribute to the development of robust potato varieties. The program is also set out to develop future-proof cultivation practices. AI-driven models play an important role in these activities.
It is interesting to mention how this research program has come about. Originally, Holland Innovative Potato (HIP), an association of companies in the potato value chain, had the idea to execute this research program. Then serendipity occurred: CropXR was founded and HIP and CropXR joined forces. HIP recognized the added value of being part of the consortium and the research program became integrated into CropXR.
Personally, my role has transformed over time. In the beginning of the collaboration, I was closely involved in writing the research proposal. For this, I worked with the Principal Investigators, other industry representatives, and Bernard de Geus, who is the coordinator of HIP and liaison officer of CropXR.
Last year, I was involved in practical preparations for large field experiments. These experiments are currently being conducted. I also participated in job interviews to hire PhD candidates.
Today, I am involved in aligning the scientific parties and participating companies in the best possible way. Since the research should be scientifically excellent and at the same time it should deliver meaningful results for the participating companies. I try to connect the various parties involved so they understand each other’s objectives well and work towards realizing them. In addition, I am a contact person for students of the Universities of Applied Science who carry out assignments on potato cultivation. All of these activities require that I communicate a lot with the four companies I represent.
Why are you driven to contribute to the CropXR project?
Translating science into actionable knowledge for companies is what drives me. I like good science. The moment companies apply this knowledge into products or processes that make the world a better place, is when I become really enthusiastic.
CropXR is by far the biggest initiative in plant sciences this country has ever seen
What is the main challenge you face?
CropXR is by far the biggest initiative in plant sciences this country has ever seen. This is a great opportunity. At the same time, it also presents a challenge in terms of governance and decision-making. How do we keep everyone on the same page? I believe that we can do this together. This means that we need to reach out to each other pro-actively.
What do you personally hope to achieve within CropXR in the next (10) years?
I hope that we can look back then on having conducted excellent scientific research. Hopefully, the companies in the potato value chain will have absorbed the research outcomes. This should enable the Netherlands to continue being a global player in the potato industry. As the potato is the world’s third most consumed crop, the
activities of CropXR are likely to have a huge impact.