Under the leadership and direction of Frans van Leijden, HAS green academy in Venlo became a vibrant branch. As a tribute to him, following his death in 2020, we created the Frans van Leijden Award.
On November 2nd 2023, HAS green academy proudly presented the second Frans van Leijden Award to Ivar van Dorst with his company Ekoto. Here he produces and researches, among other things, ancient bean varieties.
Without the qualities and competencies of Frans van Leijden, the Venlo branch would never have existed in this capacity and form. To get this done, it was necessary to pioneer, explore boundaries, think and act out-of-the-box, sometimes color outside the lines, show entrepreneurship, persevere and work hard to realize that vision.
With this award we want to give a student or recent graduate of HAS green academy, who also has these or similar qualities and puts them into practice a helping hand.
Besides Ivar van Dorst, Duifje van Dugteren and Lennart Hoops were also nominated for the award. Three students, all bursting with talent and entrepreneurship and all three deserved a place on the podium with their great initiatives. However, Ivar managed to get the most votes from the public and he also convinced the professional jury that he was the winner of the first Frans van Leijden Award.
Watch the video's of all nominees!
The winner received - in addition to attention and publicity - a physical award and a check worth €1,000. This check can be used for a development goal related to the idea, initiative or company. This can be coaching or advice, but also the purchase of a product, material or tool.
The jury of 2023 consisted of:
Under the header of ‘Towards 2030’, colleagues, students and HAS contacts in the professional work field made concerted efforts last year to sharpen the focus point for the future of our knowledge institution in the years ahead. Different perspectives were explored and discussed. The result is a balanced and ambitious plan that reflects our mission, vision and ambitions.
