From rural Groningen to the vast fields of Ukraine, alumnus Kees Huizinga has spent over 20 years farming on the frontline of change. After studying Agricultural Engineering at Wageningen University & Research in the ‘90s, he moved east and helped build one of Ukraine’s largest farms.
Picture made by Michiel Driebergen
Drawn by the perfect mix of farming and mechanics, Kees chose Wageningen after high school. He later added economics and business courses to his study programme, believing the university should sharpen your problem-solving skills. Wageningen gave him a broad perspective, from barn design to logistics.
"The combination of farming and engineering was perfect for me; I had been tinkering with mopeds, cross-country vehicles and old tractors from a young age. I have never regretted my choice."
His path led eastward: internships in Russia, farm work in Poland, and finally Ukraine. What started as overgrown land leased for 15 euros per hectare became a thriving, diversified enterprise with crops, cows, pigs, and vegetables.
"We are gradually expanding to include pigs, cows and vegetables such as onions and carrots. This creates added value, extra jobs, extra taxes and therefore revenue for the state, allowing us to defend ourselves against Russian aggression.
A potential next step would be the processing of milk into cheese or other dairy products and possibly also processing or dehydrating of vegetables. Ideally, we would export these processed products, because 80% of the arable products produced by Ukraine are intended for export. That means adding value abroad, but that would be better done in Ukraine."
When war broke out in Ukraine
When war broke out, the stakes changed. Missiles flew overhead and fields became battlegrounds. Over 40 employees of Kees were drafted; nine never returned. Still, Kees and his wife Emmeke, whom he met during his student years and is also a Wageningen University & Research alumna, carry on. They run Stichting De Leeuw Kyiv, providing aid to civilians and the military.
"The war has brought, and continues to bring, a lot of tension. We had a cruise
missile fly over our farm, followed by a huge explosion of an ammunition depot
20 kilometres away. We are used to it by now, unfortunately. More than 40 of
our employees have already been drafted into the army; nine have since died and
three have gone missing. One is believed to be held in captivity. These things
touch you deeply, and they have a huge impact on everyone in our company."
"Emmeke and I are engaged through our De Leeuw Kyiv Foundation. Together with four other Dutch people who have lived here for more than 20 years, we deliver humanitarian aid and support the army with generators, cars and medical supplies."
Beeld: © Michiel Driebergen
Picture made by Michiel Driebergen
“After all these years, I still feel proud to be a Wageningen resident, and I like to come back now and then. I also still have a lot of contact with other Wageningen graduates and friends. I recently spoke to a family whose children are now studying in Wageningen. The parents were a bit worried, as is normal. But I said what I always say: in Wageningen, everything always turns out fine."
Pictures made by Michiel Driebergen
Read full article in English and in Dutch
Source: WUR Facebook page