Photo: Studio Anne
In the ever-evolving world of horticulture, the rise of digital technologies has brought about a revolutionary change in how growers manage their crops. One individual at the forefront of this shift is Leo van Uffelen, an expert advisor in potted plants who has embraced the power of data to achieve better results. Leo shares his journey, starting from a world without data to developing advanced models and dashboards with LetsGrow.com to optimize cultivation.
The transition from intuitive cultivation to data-driven advice
Ten years ago, Leo underwent a radical change in his role, transitioning from an intuitive grower without real data to a pioneer in using technology to provide cultivation advice. His introduction to the world of data came through the WUR, where he was first exposed to information he had never used before.
“Suddenly, I was confronted with all sorts of data that I had never dealt with before because I had always relied on my intuition”, recalls Leo. His original approach was purely based on intuition and experience, without the support of measurement data. Leo started as a grower at the age of sixteen, cultivating peppers for fifteen years without the use of advanced measuring instruments such as PAR sensors. Before delving into the realm of data, he also had nine years of experience in growing potted plants.
