Merelbeke, Belgium – In a unanimous decision, the governing body of Belgapom, the Belgian Potato Trade and Processing Association, has appointed Mr. Ben Muishondt as its President for the 2023-2026 term. Mr. Muishondt, the CEO of Pomuni, takes the helm, succeeding Mark van Herrewege, who had led the organization since 2018. Alongside him, two vice presidents, Hannelore Raes from Agristo and Bart Nemegir from Aardappelhoeve, will support his leadership.
The change in leadership at Belgapom marks a significant development for Belgium’s potato industry. CEO Christophe Vermeulen praised the selection of Ben Muishondt, describing him as a “young, purposeful leader” who will steer the organization through challenging times. Belgapom tradition dictates that the chairman is alternately elected from the processing and trade sectors. Following six years at the helm, Ben de Hamer stepped down to return to the trade sector. This shift is symbolic but deemed appropriate as the sector faces serious challenges, especially for traders, packers, and cleaners. Ben Muishondt, with his background as the CEO of Pomuni, which includes a frozen department, is well-positioned to bridge gaps and understand the diverse needs of employees in the industry.
Vermeulen, also a lawyer and a member of the same generation as Muishondt, expressed confidence in their partnership. He stated, “As a fellow lawyer and fellow generation member, I am convinced that our tandem will also work well.”
In his new role as Chairman of Belgapom, Ben Muishondt expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the governing body. He acknowledged the challenges facing the industry, notably the impacts of the European Green Agreement, which introduces a multitude of new legislative acts affecting various aspects of the sector, including plant protection, nutrients, water management, and packaging. Muishondt sees Belgapom playing a crucial role in addressing these challenges and looks forward to collaborating with the Belgapom team to navigate this complex landscape.
Christophe Vermeulen also took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of the Management Board, Mark van Herrewege, who is also the CEO of Mydibel. Vermeulen acknowledged the difficulties faced during van Herrewege’s five-year tenure, marked by the COVID-19 crisis, inflation, and challenging harvests. He highlighted that, during this period, van Herrewege simultaneously oversaw the Midibel-Clarebut transition process, emphasizing his unwavering trust and partnership during a demanding phase for the organization.
The appointment of Ben Muishondt as President of Belgapom signals a new chapter in the organization’s history, and stakeholders are hopeful that his leadership will guide the Belgian potato industry through the evolving agricultural landscape and environmental challenges it faces.
In conclusion, the potato industry in Belgium looks toward the future with optimism and anticipation under the stewardship of Ben Muishondt, as it continues to adapt to changing circumstances and regulatory frameworks while honoring its traditions and commitments to sustainable agriculture.
