Published on 04/08/2025
Eelke Hempenius has had a diverse and fascinating career in the horticulture industry, one marked by a continuous passion for learning, international exposure, and an unwavering commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation. His career has spanned multiple continents, cutting-edge technology, and a wide range of growing techniques, making him a trustworthy expert in the greenhouse industry.
Eelke’s journey began as a salesman for Selection Meilland, a French company known for its rose variety selections. This event ignited his passion for both flowers and the technical aspects of horticulture. Over the course of three years, he developed a deep understanding of rose varieties and greenhouse cultivation while fostering strong relationships with growers. This exposure not only enhanced his knowledge of plant varieties but also gave him insight into the inner workings of greenhouses.
His growing interest in the technical side of horticulture eventually led him to Substratus, the consultancy company of Grodan, where his career took a significant leap. In South Korea, Eelke was tasked with setting up 3 key projects from the ground up. With minimal resources and communication (with the Netherlands), methods such as fax, he learned to control climate and irrigation systems, manage greenhouse environments, and troubleshoot problems—skills that would prove invaluable in his future work. These early years marked a key turning point, as he embraced every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Upon returning to the Netherlands, Eelke began consulting in floriculture and later expanded to vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. In 2005, he moved to the R&D department of Grodan, where he started focusing on product development. Driven by a passion for innovation, he worked with a team to create new products for young plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. After several years in propagation, he shifted to cannabis cultivation, collaborating with universities to develop growing systems for the emerging industry. He spent three years working with companies worldwide, particularly in North America, developing specialized Grodan products for cannabis cultivation.
In 2018, Eelke joined Signify, where he became a key figure in their growing cannabis market. As the first to engage in cannabis lighting strategies, he led research and helped establish several research locations, including the MCPIR Project. He worked on developing specialized LED lighting recipes that allowed for precise control over plant growth, tailoring light spectra to optimize growth and efficiency.
Over the years, Eelke has found it enjoyable to meet and work with people from all aspects of the horticulture industry. As a result, he has built a vast network, connecting with commercial growers, propagators, and other industry professionals.
One of the highlights of Eelke’s career has been his extensive international experience. His work has taken him to many countries in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. This global exposure has been instrumental in shaping his understanding of horticulture, as he adapted Dutch greenhouse techniques to local conditions in various countries. Eelke’s belief that learning from other cultures is vital to his professional development reflects his adaptability and openness to new ideas.
In particular, working in diverse climates and environments has provided him with a unique perspective on plant behavior and growing techniques. By observing how plants thrive under different conditions, Eelke has been able to integrate these insights into his work, continuously improving his approach. Whether in the controlled environment of a Dutch greenhouse or the more challenging conditions abroad, he has learned to think outside the box and apply best practices to different climates and local circumstances.
As Eelke’s career evolved, so did his role as a mentor and knowledge sharer. Over the years, he has been committed to transferring his wealth of experience to younger generations of horticultural professionals.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of his current work at Cultivators is the opportunity to mentor young professionals and guide them through the complexities of greenhouse operations. Eelke takes pride in helping others develop practical, hands-on skills—particularly those that are often not taught in academic settings. Whether it is teaching them about climate control, plant care, or the intricacies of greenhouse equipment, Eelke ensures that his knowledge is passed on in ways that can be directly applied to real-world situations. Eelke explains. “It is important to make sure that knowledge is secured in the business for the future.”
As the market for high-tech greenhouse technologies continues to grow, particularly in areas like lettuce cultivation, Eelke is excited about the future of the industry. He is eager to apply his expertise in growing systems and automated technology to the next generation of agricultural practices. Working with cutting-edge technologies, such as automated growing systems and advanced climate control tools, Eelke continues to stay at the forefront of the industry, finding new ways to optimize greenhouse environments and increase efficiency.
At Cultivators, Eelke’s role involves not just implementing his growing expertise but also guiding teams through the entire project lifecycle—from conception to operation. He believes in empowering others to fully understand how to use the equipment, adjust climate control systems, and optimize growing conditions to maximize yield. This holistic approach reflects his passion for hands-on learning and knowledge-sharing at every stage of the process.
From April 2025, Eelke began working in co-operation with Cultivators. As he continues to embrace new challenges and contribute to projects, we wish Eelke a joyful journey that further enriches his legacy in horticulture.