"I believe in a strong future for greenhouse horticulture in Canada."

1. Bibi, how did your journey at Hagelunie begin?

"After 11 years working as a claims handler, scrum master, and contributing to various projects within Achmea, I was ready for a new challenge. I’ve always been passionate about working internationally, so transitioning to Hagelunie was a natural fit. The chance to collaborate with diverse cultures and help expand the Hagelunie brand was something that truly excited me."

2. What do you enjoy most about your role as a risk expert in greenhouse horticulture, and how does it differ from your previous role as an underwriter?

"I love being out in the field and getting to know the people behind the businesses. As a risk expert, I have direct contact with our clients, which allows me to represent Hagelunie more effectively. I can apply everything I learned as an underwriter in practical situations, further develop my expertise in both the insurance product and the safety of the greenhouse horticulture sector, and ultimately provide even better service to our clients and intermediaries. Additionally, as a risk expert, I work closely with specialists in construction, fire safety, cultivation, water and food supply, boilers, and more. Together, we can offer the best possible solutions for our customers."

3. What skills and knowledge are you finding most valuable in your new role?

"As an underwriter, I gained extensive knowledge about the technical and substantive aspects of greenhouses within our products. I now use that expertise to provide better advice to our clients and to help them manage risks more effectively. My familiarity with greenhouse layout and associated risks is something I apply every day in my interactions with clients."

4. What risks do you commonly see among growers in Canada, and how can they address them?

Like greenhouse growers around the world, Canadian growers face a wide range of risks. For example, the impacts of climate change can be significant. At Hagelunie, we are dedicated to helping our clients prevent damage. A recent example is a silo collapse that occurred at one of our greenhouse horticulture clients in Ontario, Canada. We know that regular inspections of silos can prevent such incidents. My role is to make growers aware of these risks and provide them with sound advice on how to mitigate them. I share my knowledge and experience to help them be better prepared. Many of these tips are also shared through newsletters and on our website."

5. How do you envision the future of greenhouse horticulture in Canada?

"Canadian entrepreneurs produce beautiful flowers and plants, as well as healthy food, serving as the vegetable garden for the USA. This process is becoming increasingly efficient thanks to large-scale digitization, the use of artificial intelligence, and innovations like harvesting robots. At Hagelunie, we are eager to support this progress. I believe in a strong future for greenhouse horticulture in Canada. While we must remain mindful of climate change and the potential vulnerabilities in digital systems, I am confident that this sector is built on a solid foundation and is well-prepared for the future."

We are thrilled to have Bibi as our risk expert for Canada!

Her commitment to supporting Canadian growers and her optimistic outlook on the future of greenhouse horticulture bolster our confidence in continued growth in this region. Want to learn more about our other team members? Click here.