How did you become interested in the agricultural or environmental sciences sector?
I have always been interested in agriculture thanks to the guidance and passion of my father, Luis J. Bakker Jr., who is the founder of Pronaca in Ecuador.
Pronaca is a leading company in food production and involved in many areas of the agricultural industry.
How would you explain your career path to students or alumni who are just now entering the workforce?
My advice would be to work for companies that have values: integrity, innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Find a leader of the top technology in the agricultural industry to be able to produce food to feed humanity.
If you have a dream and follow your instincts, you can do whatever you want.
Where do you see your industry in the next 10 years? What are going to be some of the greatest challenges and opportunities?
Food production will become more competitive, and leading technologies will help produce food efficiently, with high quality and competitive pricing.
What market in your sector seems to have the biggest opportunity for growth?
The poultry industry, which is innovating to rapidly produce protein with the least environmental impact.
How do you continue to give back to the community?
Through my company CBH International, I have the opportunity to meet with world leaders in the industry.
I believe that connecting people with common interests and different approaches enriches goals, finding a win-win formula for the parties involved.
Why do you think it is important to work with CAES? How is the research, teaching and/or Extension impact of CAES important to you?
I am very proud to work with CAES and give time back to my school, connecting the college with people and companies where CAES can benefit from the industry.
If you could go back in time, what are words of advice you would give to yourself when you were in college?
Study what you love and relate it to the agriculture industry, where you will always find a job, challenges and joy adding value to the world of food production.
When one has a vision and the doors close, keep on pushing.
You have to have the determination to push and prove you’re passionate about something. It worked, and then I was able to get enough knowledge to be dangerous … It’s a triangle of success: commitment, honestly love what you do and show that passion.
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