In conversation with Michiel Klompenhouwer

Since December 2024, Michiel Klompenhouwer has been Director of Plantum, taking over this role from Niels Louwaars. In this interview, we talk with him about this new role, seed sector development and how he looks forward to working together with the SeedNL family.

Could you please introduce yourself, your background and what attracted you in becoming MD of Plantum?

My name is Michiel, and I started as Managing Director of Plantum on December 1st. Before this role, I worked at Rabobank for over 20 years in various positions, primarily focusing on the agri-food sector. I studied in Wageningen, and throughout my career, I’ve remained actively involved in the food and agriculture sector. My fascination with global food systems began during my studies, and as I took on different roles at Rabobank, I developed a deep appreciation for the impact companies can have in ensuring food security worldwide.

When I was approached for the opportunity at Plantum, I was at a point where my role at Rabobank had become increasingly focused on regional challenges in the Netherlands. While the Dutch food and agriculture sector is well-established, I was looking for a broader perspective beyond Europe. With my background in value chains rather than plant science, I saw an opportunity to contribute to an industry that plays a critical role in food security. After ten weeks in this role, it has become even clearer to me how essential healthy starting materials and seeds are for long-term food stability.

How have you been settling in in your new role?

The transition has been very positive. After ten weeks, the role has met all my expectations. The strong reputation of Plantum, its members, and the broader Dutch agricultural environment is something I hear reinforced by many stakeholders. And, very important, I was very warm welcomed by the expert team of Plantum.

Every day, I am learning something new. The seed sector is incredibly complex, and our members possess a deep level of specialized knowledge. I’ve been consistently impressed by the expertise in the Netherlands and how much we contribute to the global food system.

A key realization for me has been the crucial role of the Dutch seed sector in ensuring access to high-quality seeds and diverse traits for breeders worldwide. The availability and accessibility of genetic material are fundamental to strengthening agricultural systems globally. Plantum plays an important role in advocating for this on a national governmental level while also engaging in international discussions, particularly in regions where food security is a pressing issue.

What connection do you have with the seed sector and seed sector development?

My connection comes from my extensive experience working in the food and agriculture sector at Rabobank. I worked closely with clients across the supply chain, including those in the seed industry. I have always been fascinated by how seeds and plant breeding contribute to global food security, sustainability, and innovation. My expertise is in value chains and market dynamics rather than plant science, but I see this as a strength in understanding how different players—from breeders to farmers—fit together within a global system.

What is in your opinion the importance of public-private partnerships?

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are absolutely crucial. During my time at Rabobank, I was involved in Rabo Partnerships, where I saw firsthand how essential a well-structured public framework is for enabling private sector innovation. No matter how strong a company’s commercial ambitions may be, without the right public infrastructure, it is difficult to operate effectively.

At Plantum, I see the same necessity. Initiatives like SeedNL, and the PVP Toolbox of Naktuinbouw, demonstrate that both knowledge-sharing and institutional support are needed before businesses can confidently enter new markets. Companies are often hesitant to invest in regions where legal frameworks are weak or intellectual property rights are unclear. That’s why PPPs are so important—they create the conditions for sustainable development and mutual benefit for both public institutions and private companies.

What have you learned from SeedNL as a PPP so far?

SeedNL has been on my agenda quite regularly already, and it has been interesting to see the impact of its partnerships. One key takeaway is that these collaborations help our members understand why PPPs are vital for developing certain markets. Beyond financial and business opportunities, SeedNL provides a valuable platform for companies to share knowledge and build trust with public institutions.

For example, in a recent meeting with Jean Rummenie and Crop Trust, we discussed the importance of organizing a global network to facilitate access to genebank breeding materials and stimulate collaboration between breeders and genebanks. Crop Trust aims to foster high-level cooperation between different seed stocks worldwide, and SeedNL has the potential to contribute significantly to this effort. The Dutch sector has an important role to play in these discussions, especially in areas like genetic resource sharing and value-sharing structures, which are key themes from COP19.

What do you find the key themes to have discussions on within the SeedNL community?

There are several key themes that should remain central to our discussions:

• Breeders' rights and public-private collaboration: Ensuring fair access to genetic materials while protecting innovation is a delicate balance that requires ongoing dialogue.

• Food security and political changes: The global landscape is shifting, and we must assess how the seed industry can respond to trade flow disruptions and geopolitical shifts.

• Climate change and biodiversity: above all, climate change is having a greater impact at a faster rate than expected. The seed industry must continuously adapt to develop resilient crop varieties. Governments are pushing for reduced use of chemical inputs in agriculture. While there is confidence in the role of seed breeding in addressing these challenges, it is not the sole solution. We need to find a balanced approach that considers both productivity and environmental impact. Therefore, it’s important that the current discussions on NGT in Europe will be agreed upon in a way that our industry can continue to support the necessary developments within acceptable boundaries. While urgency is important, we must also recognize that nature operates on its own timeline, and changes cannot always be implemented overnight.

 What is your message to our SeedNL family?

We need to work together because I see all our resources are limited, yet the global demand for high-quality food continues to grow. Genetics and seeds are at the heart of food security, and the challenge ahead is to accelerate our efforts in a way that maximizes impact.

One of my key interests is exploring how we can create networks of pilot projects across different countries simultaneously. Time is not on our side—we are facing urgent decisions about food security, climate adaptation, and trade. Can we bring together countries with similar challenges? Can we create synergies between initiatives?

The knowledge and expertise exist, but we must find ways to leverage them more effectively. By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, we can make a tangible difference in addressing the global food challenges of the future.