Our Team
The core team at Wageningen MFC brings together a unique mix of expertise and experience; with over 300 years of combined knowledge in agri-food systems, spatial planning, and sustainable development. From strategic thinking on metropolitan food provision to the design of Agroparks and Metropolitan Food Clusters, we cover all the essential fields needed to shape future-proof food systems.
We work hand-in-hand with leading experts from Wageningen University & Research, as well as partners in the private sector, ranging from tech providers and food producers to engineering and implementation specialists. For each project, we build a customised team tailored to the client’s needs and context.
Our strength lies in our co-design approach, which brings together scientific insights, technical expertise, and local knowledge to deliver well-rounded, practical solutions.
Meet the Team
Steef C. Buijs MSc:Specialist in Urban and Regional Planning
Arjen E. Simons MSc: Specialist in International Agro-logistics and Fresh Networks
Madeleine J. M. van Mansfeld MSc: Specialist in Ecology and Process Facilitation
Dr. Peter Smeets: Specialist in Agropark Planning, Ecology, and Process Facilitation
Yorick A.T.F.H. de Bruin MSc: Managing Director, Innovator, and Specialist in Sustainable Animal Production Systems
Xi Zhu MSc: Project Officer Asia and Specialist in Urban, Rural, and Agropark Planning
Celeste Balmelli: Account success manager and Transboundary cooperation and networking - Latin America
Darren Ho: Account success manager and Transboundary cooperation and networking - South-East Asia
Ewa Wietsma-Łącka: Account success manager and Transboundary cooperation and networking - Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Frezer Ygzaw MSc: Project Researcher and Specialist in Spatial Food System Planning
Tisha Maria Banerjee MA: Digital Communications Officer and Specialist in New Media and Digital Culture