Born into a farming family of hothouse growers in the Netherlands, Dirk de Jong spent holidays and summers in his youth learning every aspect of greenhouse production. After horticultural school, de Jong joined Village Farms ripe from Holland at its Texas facility. He then moved to B.C. shortly after, where he has happily resided ever since.

GREATEST SUCCESS: Working with Village Farms for over 21 years.
BIGGEST LESSON: Never think you know it all. If you do, you are done. Always leave room to grow.
LOOKING AHEAD: We are on target to break our record for tomato yield per square metre.
FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM: World Cup soccer.