Published on 10/03/2025
Managing the climate is an integral part of any greenhouse operation, and it can be challenging. When it comes to understanding how all climate control components operate, Vincent Kickert will happily take up that challenge. For those unfamiliar with Vincent and his expertise, we sat down to discuss his background and his collaboration with the Cultivators’ cultivation consultancy team.
We asked Vincent about his background journey in the horticulture industry. He shared, “I have been active in the industry for about 15 years now. I started my journey at a company that builds climate systems in the horticultural industry. After that, I was head of R&D at a large greenhouse construction company. Five years ago, I decided to take a different path and became an independent contractor”.
Vincent brings a unique perspective to greenhouse climate control. With a background in aerospace engineering and a Master’s degree in product development and industrial design, he possesses a broad skill set. “Aerospace engineering instilled in me the importance of airflow,” Vincent explains. “My Master’s taught me how to manage complex systems. Climate control in greenhouses is a field where multiple disciplines—biology, aerospace engineering, chemistry, and physics—come together.”
He emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements and interdisciplinary knowledge. “For instance, I often see greenhouses with cooling and heating components positioned at opposite ends. When you measure the climate in the middle, you get an average that seems fine, but in reality, conditions are far from optimal. The saying ‘measuring is knowing’ holds true—you must trace the data’s origins to make informed decisions.”
Beyond technical expertise, a climate specialist must understand plant science. “It is not just about taking measurements; you need to see if the data translates into the desired plant response,” Vincent says. “A climate specialist focuses on implementation: What is happening in the greenhouse? What adjustments are needed? How can conflicting systems be synchronized? Solving the puzzle of creating synergy between technology and biology is what intrigues me most.”
Vincent’s connection with Cultivators dates back to 2015, when he first worked with Tim van Hissenhoven. A formal collaboration began in 2021. “Tim and I, as well as the rest of Cultivators’ team, we all prioritize achieving the best possible results over making a quick profit,” Vincent shares. “Our goal is for clients to recommend us because we deliver outstanding results.”
When asked about his favorite projects, Vincent had two standouts. “In one project, we intervened just in time to correct a flawed design based on incorrect assumptions. By making changes before construction, we significantly reduced costs. It’s always better to get it right from the start rather than applying expensive fixes later.”
The second project stood out because of the trust he built with the localteam. “The greenhouse itself was well-built, but theindividual components were not properly calibrated. Initially, there was skepticism, but after working with the team, we turned things around completely. That trust led to a successful outcome for everyone involved.”
Vincent concludes, “Our collaboration with Cultivators is successful because we put results first. The climate must be right, and the plants must thrive. Our combined efforts add real value for our clients.” He adds with a smile, “And it is fun working with Cultivators—that is important too! We have built a strong relationship over the years, and it continues to prove its worth.”
If you want to ensure your project is designed correctly or are not seeing the expected results from your climate systems, feel free to reach out. We would be happy to discuss how we can help optimize your greenhouse environment and provide assistance both on-site and remote. Please click here to reach out.