Meet Kees Weerheim

Kees quite literally grew up in greenhouse horticulture. His father managed a rose nursery, and much of Kees’ childhood was spent among greenhouses and crops. Student jobs in the sector followed naturally, particularly in ornamental horticulture.

This background led him to study Plant Sciences, specializing in advanced cultivation systems and energy-saving innovations. There, he not only learned how plants grow, but why they grow the way they do, how they distribute energy and how they respond to light, water, temperature, CO₂, and stress.

After completing his studies, Kees spent nearly ten years in applied research as a researcher at Wageningen University & Research. It was in-depth and rewarding work, and he witnessed firsthand how innovations such as LED lighting transitioned from years of research to large-scale implementation. Eventually, however, it was time for the next step.

“I missed the direct connection with practice. I want to make an impact in real-world cultivation with my knowledge. Research is incredibly valuable, but my strength lies in translating that knowledge into concrete cultivation decisions.”

In 2024, Ledgnd came onto his path through contact with Ilona. What attracted him was not only the role itself, but especially the way the organization operates: knowledge, data, and practice brought together at one table, person to person.

“A young organization with a lot of energy, people with a clear mission. And everyone working toward the same goal: helping growers cultivate better in a world that is becoming increasingly complex.”

At Ledgnd, Kees holds the title of plant ecophysiologist.“I study the plant in relation to its environment. Not only how it grows, but why it grows that way. A plant communicates a great deal, if you know what to look for.”

What distinguishes Kees is that he never approaches cultivation from a purely theoretical “ideal plant” perspective. He understands that growers must balance growth, costs, energy, labor, market pressure, and business continuity every day. For him, it is about combining what is best for the plant with what is best for the business.

Kees prefers working side by side with growers; inside the greenhouse, behind the computer, and supported by data. A visit is successful when they jointly uncover insights that guide action. Sometimes this leads to immediate adjustments; at other times, it provides reassurance that the chosen course is the right one.

“The best moment is when a grower sees for themselves what the plant is trying to communicate. Not because I explain it, but because we recognize it together with the help of data.”

Kees envisions a future in which data becomes increasingly important—but only valuable when it is understandable and applicable.“The role of data and knowledge will only grow, but we must not forget what truly matters: understanding what the plant is telling us.” According to him, data is not a goal in itself. It is a tool that gains value only when the grower can act on it.

“It’s not about having more data, it’s about knowing what that data means for your crop. Only then can you steer with confidence.”

Kees aims to continue building a bridge between technology and cultivation practice, ensuring growers do not drown in information but instead gain clarity and peace of mind.“I hope that at Ledgnd we can increasingly translate knowledge into real action. Not by making things more complicated, but by bringing simplicity through insight into complexity.”

“Data only becomes valuable when you understand what it means for the plant. And that is exactly what we do, turning data into value for the grower.”

His ambition for the coming years? To further develop as a mentor and help colleagues translate data into actionable insights.“If I can pass on my knowledge in a way that enables others to take it even further, that’s a win for me.”

Outside of work, Kees consciously seeks balance. He exercises several times a week to recharge and clear his mind. One evening each week is dedicated to ballroom dancing, shifting his focus to rhythm and movement. Photography is another passion, particularly during trips to natural landscapes. Being outdoors, working with light, and observing details attentively provide the same sense of calm he seeks in his professional life. He enjoys traveling to places rich in nature and culture, where there is time to truly observe. Whether he is standing among plants or on the dance floor, Kees is always searching for balance, and that balance is precisely what makes him so valuable to the plant, the grower, and the team.