AgKnowledge, when it all started

My journey from working for multinational Ag businesses to founding AgKnowledge has been a challenging step into the unknown. Here is my story.

Working for a large Ag business is an incredible experience : you are surrounded by talented colleagues, you have market-leading financial benefits, you enjoy lots of executive trainings and overseas conferences and opportunities to impact the lives of many of farmer customers out there.

But after eight years I felt an itch — many mergers occurred in the Ag industry and teams became larger and more corporate. I loved working with my R&D leadership teams and was proud of what we had accomplished. But I missed the excitement of innovation and technology development. I dreamed of working again with small entrepreneurial teams, adjusting business practices while embracing change.

In August of 2020, I made the bold decision to leave my safe, corporate position to start working as an independent advisor and consultant.

Europe’s “Farm or Fork Strategy” and many global climate and food security initiatives will require the adoption of new seeds, farming techniques, water management, and pest and weed technologies. AgTech can also help to minimize food waste, limit the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and reduce carbon dioxide outputs from crop management practices. And by doing so, directly contribute to sustainable agriculture and ending hunger in the world.

Through my new role, I would like to support the development and adoption of AgTech while improving livelihoods of farmers. There is so much that we need to do. Should have done already.

Why not roll up sleeves and get in on the act ?

An Michiels