Product Specialist Edwin Geling has just completed his first 90 days at Solynta after graduating in Plant Sciences from Wageningen University. We were eager to hear about his initial experiences with Solynta.
“I grew up on an arable farm in Flevoland, where we also grow potatoes. This is my very first job! After graduation, I wanted a role that would combine desk work with outdoor activities. Luckily, I saw the position of Product Specialist on social media and was immediately interested. I’d already heard of Solynta during my studies and was curious about the possibilities of hybrid potato seeds. I thought it would be fascinating to work on this, as I believe that the current way of cultivating potatoes is not sustainable for the future, given climate change, stricter pesticide regulations, and the need for sustainable agriculture. I was especially curious about how hybrid potatoes could be cultivated and how they will contribute positively to the challenges faced by growers. It seemed to me like an innovative and educational way of growing potatoes, where I could hopefully contribute to its success story.
As a Product Specialist, I am busy mapping out the new cultivation method and introducing it to people; I serve as the link between breeders and farmers. This approach gives me a clear perspective on what customers need and how we can support growers’ success with Solynta’s solutions. I’m very excited about the success stories that are yet to come.
About Our Culture
I’ve really enjoyed these first 90 days and have learned an incredible amount. I’ve heard so many interesting insights about genetics and agronomy, and I’m starting to know a fair amount about hybrid potatoes. My colleagues are great; they gave me a lot of confidence right from the start. I’ve been entrusted with my own responsibilities, and I feel valued. Solynta has an informal culture. You can just walk into any office, and everyone is happy to help, show you things, and make time for you.
Taking Initiative is Encouraged
At the same time, taking initiative is highly valued, which fits well with Solynta’s culture. I appreciated that, from day one, I wasn’t treated like a beginner but was taken seriously. Most days, I work closely with the Commercial Team, which I’m part of, and also with Agronomy. The atmosphere in both teams is relaxed, and there’s always time for fun. Another thing I really enjoy is our internal company-wide meetings held every two weeks. Experiences are shared, and we enjoy drinks together afterward, which is both enjoyable and informative. This helps us stay connected to the other parts of Solynta.
Direct Sowing is My Area of Focus
What I look forward to most in this first year is working alongside my team. After this year, I will share tasks a bit more closely with my direct colleague. Ultimately, I’d love to see the area dedicated to hybrid potatoes worldwide grow significantly, and I’m excited to contribute to that. In the near future, I’m focused on learning how we can best support our customers and growers in achieving successful potato cultivation from seeds. Over the next few years, our team will focus on optimizing direct sowing in open fields. In my first week at Solynta, I was taken to the direct sowing demo field, and to my surprise, the plants looked fantastic. I believe this is the future for Solynta, with the potential for large-scale success. Friends and family are genuinely surprised when I talk about growing potatoes from true seed. I always say that we still have a lot to learn, but we’re making great strides.
Direct Sowing: I Want to Try it at Home Too
I currently work from home one day a week, on our arable farm. That’s why I think it would be fun to try direct sowing at home. Our internal competition at Solynta revolves around who can grow potatoes the most successfully at home from a few potato seeds. I’m definitely hoping to win next year’s trophy—a golden potato masher! In any case, I think it will be an interesting challenge, as I enjoy coming up with solutions for the issues I encounter in the field during cultivation. Sharing my findings with my father is rewarding, and who knows—maybe in five years, we’ll be growing hybrid potatoes at home too!"