Meet Ernesto Bastidas and Pauline Bugter
15 January 2025 - News
Pauline Bugter and Ernesto Bastidas Obando have joined the Business Unit Horticulture of Eurofins Agro Testing in 2024 to support growers worldwide in testing nutrient solutions, substrates, and soils in greenhouse systems.
Seven years ago, Eurofins established an independent business unit dedicated to greenhouse horticulture, receiving samples worldwide and collaborating with growers, testing stations and universities to stay in close contact with growers. Eurofins aims to provide its services to more and more producers around the world in 2025.
Pauline as International Horticulture Sales Manager, is focusing on Europe where she will be visiting growers frequently. Ernesto, as Horticulture Business Developer, is focusing on regions outside Europe.
Serving growers
Ernesto brings extensive experience in high-tech agribusiness and sees significant growth potential in horticulture in places such as Mexico, where companies are looking to expand their operations from 60 to 600 hectares. Pauline, who previously worked as a technical consultant in the floriculture industry, aims to help growers in Europe by supporting them to benefit from testing in greenhouse systems.
Ernesto observes that growers in the Netherlands take a proactive approach to testing, conducting regular analysis to prevent problems before they occur. "In other regions, testing is often done after problems have been identified, which can lead to delayed action. It is therefore important for growers to recognize the importance of regular testing to develop stronger growing strategies," he says.
Global growth and collaborations
With ambitions to grow internationally, Eurofins is actively seeking partnerships with local stakeholders and working with suppliers to provide valuable data. Pauline explains: "There is significant value for suppliers to offer customer insights within their platforms, with Eurofins supporting the process through intelligent integrations. The greenhouse data can also be integrated into climate control systems, providing growers with all relevant data, such as plant pathogen information, in one place."
Ernesto and Pauline will both be travelling internationally.
Want to meet them?
Visit us at IPM 2025, Hall 4, E27 or contact them directly:
E-mail Ernesto Bastidas Obando >
E-mail Pauline Bugter >
