Sep Woolschot, Biotechnologist

‘We use biotechnology to make the inedible portions of certain raw materials edible.’

What is your job at Agrifirm?

I am a biotechnologist. This means I conduct research, for example into the development of new products that contribute to a responsible food chain. This can be virtually anything such as animal feeds, fertiliser enhancers and the like. To do this, we use micro organisms in smart ways.

For example, we use biotechnology to make the inedible portions of certain raw materials edible for people and animals. This increases the nutritional value of the food products and consequently the animal's digestive efficiency. This means you have increased the animal's efficiency and there is local production that does not have to be imported from abroad.

  • What motivates you to work at Agrifirm?

    Originally I came from the Achterhoek, a region in the Eastern Netherlands, where there has always been a lot of farming. Many friends and acquaintances have attended an agricultural secondary school, come from a farmer's family or work for a compound feed company, for example. So I have had a lot of contact with agriculture in my life. When I saw the job opening at Agrifirm in 2021, it very much appealed to me.

On the one hand due to my affinity for this sector, and on the other hand because I can work hands-on in applying the theoretical knowledge I acquired in my studies.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy the most? Learning new things. This is inextricably linked to research. Because of this, we often come into contact with things we have never done before. In addition, I enjoy working with my hands, being in the lab to carry out the experiments I thought up myself or together with my colleagues. Because we are often doing new things in the lab, the work is very versatile and I am never bored.

The variety is also evident from the fact that one day you may be working with the bioreactor in the lab, and the next day you may be lugging IBC tanks and hoses around. These kinds of things make it attractive to be working here. We are very practical and look for solutions to everything.

What is unique about working at Agrifirm?

The freedom you have to do things yourself. When you have an idea, you are listened to and you are given the opportunity to set it up and work it out. You are given the responsibility for this. Your own development is often reviewed with you as well, professionally, but also personally. You are not treated as an employee, but as a person. There is a relaxed atmosphere, which enables you to be the best you can be.
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