Like so many sons and daughters of growers, Justin Middelburg wants to travel around for a few years before joining the family business, preferably across rather than within national borders. This is due, to some extent, to the exciting internships and assignments abroad he completed as part of his studies at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. “Whereas, in the Netherlands, I would start in a junior position, abroad I am considered the expert and given a lot of freedom,” he explains.
For many years, Justin Middelburg spent his holidays working in the greenhouse and the packing shed at the Made site of Leen Middelburg Chrysanthemums, the family business. After graduating in Horticulture & Agribusiness from Inholland University of Applied Sciences in 2023, he announced that he wanted to expand his horizon for about five years.
“Personally, I don't think it is time to enter the family business just yet, as I am still flexible and want to learn other things. Preferably abroad, because looking over the hedge internationally is much more exciting,” says the grower's son, who has experienced this during internships and assignments in Kenya, Vietnam, Morocco and Indonesia.
