Plantanova announces appointment of Sjaak Bakker as member of advisory council

Mexican-Dutch Plant propagation specialist Plantanova has announced that horticulture industry veteran Sjaak Bakker has joined the company as an adviser, with a special focus on bringing the best in Dutch technology and innovations to the Mexican market.

Bakker, who has some 30 years of experience in the horticulture industry, will work with Plantanova on strengthening the connections between the Netherlands and Mexico, with a focus on helping Mexican nurseries and growers improve the quality and efficiency of their enterprises.

Bakker, who founded the company DigiVation in January 2025, will also be working with Plantanova and sister company HortiConnect on the development of a more digital way of sharing knowledge and experiences with the help of augmented reality and virtual reality educational and technical support systems.

Bakker established HortiConnect in 2013 with Plantanova General Manager Pharis Rico.

“I have known Pharis for many years, and he has invited me to be part of this project. I will be the connection between Dutch and European technology suppliers and the Mexican requirements for automation, and can also help Mexican companies connect with experts in the Netherlands who have the knowledge they need,” Bakker said.

“Sjaak is proactive, creative and is someone who knows well how to work in collaboration. Throughout his career in horticulture, Sjaak has led the development and construction of technologies and machinery,” Rico said. “As someone who understands the technical side of new technologies, Sjaak will be able to be help us translate our needs and choose the best machinery options for our team, so he is a logical choice to join the Board of Advisors.”

Plantanova plans to announce three new additions to its Advisory Board in the near future.

“I think we are going to continue to surprise the industry with the caliber of the people we have invited,” Rico added.

Bakker will be bringing DigiVation’s VR systems to the upcoming GreenTech Americas 2025 exhibition, where visitors to the Plantanova stand will be able to virtually visit Plantanova’s recently renovated propagation facility in Tuxpan, Michoacán, Mexico, by using VR glasses.

Plantanova and Horticonnect will be exhibiting at Stands 425 and 306 at GreenTech Americas 2025, which is March 25-27 in the Querétaro Congress Center, Querétaro, Mexico.  

Interested companies can also visit Plantanova Netherlands’ recently opened offices  in the World Horti Center, Naaldwijk, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit Plantanova on LinkedIn.