Frans Claassen has been working at SMK since September 2025. As Manager of Plant products Agro Chains, he holds (final) responsibility for all certification schemes within the plant product domain.

Frans has extensive management experience in the agricultural sector and possesses knowledge of various crops. Since his studies, he has been active in many areas of the supply chain, including cultivation and export. In recent years he has been particularly involved in the inspection of propagation material in the horticultural sector.

His priority is translating well-designed and transparent schemes into practical application: “I believe that you need to explore possibilities together with stakeholders. Rules should be translated into practice so that entrepreneurs can truly work with them.”

With his enthusiasm and broad experience, together with his team, he will contribute to the sustainability of plant products, such as vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants, through the On the way to PlanetProof quality label.

At SMK, Frans works with his team on making the Dutch and international horticultural sector sustainable, with as key goal: “building bridges between sustainability ideals and the practical realities of economic and technical feasibility.”

Mail Frans: fclaassen@smk.nl  

Jaap Bij de Vaate started working at SMK in September 2019. As project leader Vegetable Agro-chains, he is responsible for the certification scheme Green Label Greenhouse and also heavily involved in developing criteria for On the way to PlanetProof.

Jaap grew up on an arable farm and studied horticulture at the Wageningen Agricultural College (now: Wageningen University). After graduating in 1989, he gained a lot of experience with substrate supplier Grodan in greenhouse farming, was involved in substrate development, and supported growers as an international consultant. From 2007 Jaap was involved as project leader and expert at Delphy in a wide variety of projects in greenhouse horticulture: water quality and emission reduction, application of innovations, energy-saving projects, development of growth models, etc. He also set up and carried out training courses there and supervised international ornamental plant cultivation companies.

At SMK Jaap continues to work on making the Dutch and international horticultural sector more sustainable, striving to build bridges between the ideals of sustainability and the practice of economic and technical feasibility.

Mail Jaap: jbijdevaate@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

In May 2019, Lien Terryn has joined the SMK team. In her role as project manager Plant agri chains she contributes to the content-related requirements of On the way to PlanetProof and she has contact with producers, advisers and researchers.

Lien graduated on the Catholic University of Leuven as Bio-engineer soil science and water management. Her first working experience was in Vietnam. During her 2-year stay in Hanoi, Lien facilitated the transition to more nutritious forages used by small-scale dairy farmers.

The last 9 years, she worked as a consultant and project manager at CLM Research and Advice Ltd. In this position she managed projects for among others SAI Platform, Heineken, PepsiCo and Ben & Jerry’s.

Mail Lien: lterryn@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Els van der Spek has been working at SMK since December 2024. As a project leader within the Team Plant Products, she works on the development of certification schemes, particularly On the Way to PlanetProof.

Els studied International Land and Water Management and Plant Sciences at Wageningen University, focusing in these studies on the sustainability of cultivation systems. During her studies, she gained fieldwork experience in Portugal and Uganda. After graduating, she worked as a product manager at Eurofins Agro, where she gained experience in soil, cultivation, and fertilization.

At SMK, Els sees an opportunity to contribute to more sustainable plant cultivation in the Netherlands and abroad, ensuring space for people, a healthy ecosystem, and nature.

Mail Els: evanderspek@smk.nl  

Yannick Kraamer has been working at SMK since June 2022. As a project officer within the Plant Agri Chains team, he works mainly on the quality label On the way to PlanetProof and is the contact person for certification bodies.

Yannick studied International Development Management at Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences in Wageningen and Velp. He specialized in Sustainable Value Chains and gained international experience during his studies through internships such as at a farmers association in Seychelles and for AgroFair in Panama. After his studies, he started as a policy officer for sustainability at GroentenFruit Huis, the trade organization for the fruit and vegetable sector. After a period in Indonesia, he worked in Sales and Supply Chain Support at Fairtrasa, an import company in organic fruit and bananas. With both his strategic and operational experience, he sees his work at SMK as an opportunity to play a role in making agricultural production and trade more sustainable.

Mail Yannick: ykraamer@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Matz Beuchel has been working at SMK since July 2025. As a project leader, he supports Team Animal Products in developing, revising, and expanding certification schemes.

After earning his master’s degree in agricultural economics at Wageningen University, he worked as an animal protein market analyst at Rabobank and as a sustainability program manager at the Dutch Animal Feed Industry.

Matz is committed to a practical and broadly supported guarantee of sustainable animal products.

 

Mail Matz: mbeuchel@smk.nl  

Christiane Hornikel has been working at SMK since September 2025. As a project leader within the Plant Products team, she focuses on the development of certification schemes, in particular On the Way to PlanetProof.

Christiane studied Social Sciences and Rural Development in Germany. After her studies, she joined the German development cooperation, where she worked on creating income opportunities for cocoa and coffee farmers in Sierra Leone. In this role, she gained hands-on experience with the functioning and impact of sustainability certification. After moving to the Netherlands, she worked at UTZ and later at Rainforest Alliance, where she was involved in the development and implementation of sustainability programs for various themes and agricultural products, such as hazelnuts, herbs & spices, and bananas.

At SMK, Christiane sees an opportunity to contribute to more sustainable plant production and trade in the Netherlands and Europe, with attention to both people and nature.

Mail Christiane: chornikel@smk.nl  

Annika de Ridder has been working at SMK since 1 May 2013. As the Project Manager animal supply chains, she is responsible for the On the way to PlanetProof criteria for the livestock sectors and processed products, and is intensively involved in the development and management of Maatlat Duurzame Veehouderij (Sustainability index for animal production and Aquaculture).

Annika completed the Bachelor degree programme in Dier- en Veehouderij (Animal and Livestock Farming) at the INHOLLAND University of Applied Sciences in Delft. She then gained a Master’s degree in Biology in Leiden, specialising in Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences.

In 2009, she worked as an inspector of subsidies for agricultural nature conservation at the General Inspection Service (Algemene Inspectiedienst, AID, now part of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, NVWA). In that role, she visited a large number of agricultural firms.

From 2010, she was an implementation expert at the former Implementation Service for the Ministry of Agriculture, now part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), dealing with applications for project grants for the agricultural sector, for instance for innovation projects and the investment scheme IDSH (Integraal Duurzame Stal- en Houderijsystemen, integrated sustainable animal housing and husbandry systems).

In 2011, she gained the certificate Bedrijf en Kwaliteit (Company and Quality, integrated quality assurance) at HAS Kennis Transfer in Den Bosch.

Mail Annika: aderidder@smk.nl  Bellen : 0610664940  LinkedIn   

Herman Docters van Leeuwen has been working for SMK since 1999. As a Programme Manager Agri chains, he is responsible for On the way to PlanetProof livestock sectors (beef cattle and dairy). He is also involved in the development and management of the Maatlat Duurzame Veehouderij (Sustainability standard for animal production). Previously he developed the certification scheme Groen Label Kas. Moreover, he advises governments and companies on sustainability.

Herman studied biology in Leiden and completed the study Dutch agriculture at the Agricultural University of Applied Sciences in Delft in 1992, with a major in Animal production. After graduating, he took on a commercial role at the plant nursery Hoveling Plant. After this, he worked as a policy officer for the gardening department of the municipality of Apeldoorn, and as a teacher in higher agricultural education, for the studies of rural development and animal production.

In the past years, Herman has been involved with the development and implementation of agricultural nature conservation as a secretary for the agricultural nature association Vockestaert in Midden-Delfland. Moreover, he is a rider at the Jockey club of the Rotterdamsche Manège. He was active at this club as a board member for four years. Since 2013, he is a member of the sustainability workgroup of the Laurens Church in Rotterdam.

Mail Herman: hdoctersvanleeuwen@smk.nl  Bellen : 0610503786  LinkedIn   

As Project officer of Animal Agro Chains, Saskia van Wageningen-Lucardie is the first point of contact for all questions about the Yardstick of Sustainable Livestock Farming. She also works on the management of the On the way to PlanetProof criteria for animal products. She is also the first point of contact for the Register of Green Declarations. She uses her extensive knowledge of IT applications in the development of supporting digital (web) tools and in the financial management of various SMK programs.

Saskia graduated from the INHOLLAND University in Delft, where she followed the HBO study Animal and Livestock Farming. Her graduation project was for the Fur for Animals Foundation and involved the evaluation of existing and the development of new teaching packages for groups 6 to 8 of primary education.

After her graduation, Saskia worked as an office manager at the Sophia Association for the Protection of Animals. In this job, she was responsible for the daily operations of the office of the Sophia Association.

Mail Saskia: svanwageningen@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Matz Beuchel has been working at SMK since July 2025. As a project leader, he supports Team Animal Products in developing, revising, and expanding certification schemes.

After earning his master’s degree in agricultural economics at Wageningen University, he worked as an animal protein market analyst at Rabobank and as a sustainability program manager at the Dutch Animal Feed Industry.

Matz is committed to a practical and broadly supported guarantee of sustainable animal products.

 

Mail Matz: mbeuchel@smk.nl  

Marjelle Bouwhuis has been working at SMK since January 2025. As a junior project leader in animal agro-chains, she supports Team Animal Products. She is involved in the further development of On the Way to PlanetProof and will also contribute to various other projects.

Marjelle graduated as a veterinarian specializing in farm animals and veterinary public health. During her studies, she gained extensive knowledge of animal health and welfare. In addition to theoretical knowledge, she also acquired significant practical experience in the dairy farming sector.

Marjelle looks forward to contributing to the sustainability of livestock farming.

Mail Marjelle: mbouwhuis@smk.nl  

Marlies Vrijenhoek joined SMK as a trainee in July 2025. Since July 2026, she has been working as a Project Officer within the Animal Production Team.

Before joining SMK, she completed her Master’s degree in Animal Science at Wageningen University, specializing in Global and Sustainable Production. During her studies, she completed an internship in regenerative agriculture. She was also active on committees and the board of the student riding association A.W.S.R. Hipac St. Joris and the Wageningen Student Scouting Yggdrasilstam.

Mail Marlies: mvrijenhoek@smk.nl  

Ineke Vlot has worked at SMK as Programme Manager non-food of various non-food programmes since 1996. For EU Ecolabel, she assesses application files for certification. From her role within SMK, she represents the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Regulatory Committee of EU Ecolabel and advises this Ministry about new and revised EU Ecolabel criteria with regard to voting positions within the European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB). From 2020 to 2024 Ineke was the President of the EUEB. She has been the vice president of the EUEU since April 2015.

Ineke is also responsible for the development and management of the Milieukeur non-food certification schemes.

In addition, she is involved in Sustainable Purchasing/Green Public Procurement for various product groups, both nationally and internationally.

Ineke is also a board member of the Association of Certification Scheme Developers, founded end of 2018.

Ineke studied biology and environmental sciences at Leiden University. During her studies, she performed research on topics including environmentally-relevant product information for consumers, modelled on the German ‘Blaue Engel’ (Blue Angel) certification programme.

After graduation, Ineke worked for a lengthy period as a project leader at the Centrum voor Energiebesparing (CE Delft; centre for energy savings). Her responsibilities included the feasibility study for Milieukeur (examining the possibility and desirability of setting up a Dutch eco-label) and research into international product-focused environmental policy. Before that, she was a project leader at the Stichting Consument en Veiligheid (consumer and safety foundation) and a product researcher at the Keurmerkinstituut (Certification Institute).

Mail Ineke: ivlot@smk.nl  Bellen: 06-10761573  LinkedIn   

Lars Woltmann has been working as project leader EU non-food at SMK since August 2008. He is responsible for the assessment of application dossiers for the EU Ecolabel certificate and maintains intensive contact with certificate holders and other stakeholders. Furthermore, he advises on new and revised EU Ecolabel criteria to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, and Innovation regarding voting positions in the EU Ecolabel Board (EUEB).

Lars studied Biology at the University of Göttingen and then worked there for over five years as a researcher/teacher, of which he spent two years conducting ecological research in Indonesia.

Mail Lars: lwoltmann@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Lotte van den Bosch has been working at SMK since June 2022 as junior project lead EU Ecolabel. She supports the non-food team in preparing applications and assists the team with certification of the EU Ecolabel. She is also a contact person for questions related to the EU Ecolabel and she is involved in the communication regarding the quality label.

Lotte studied Public Administration (MSc) at Radboud University Nijmegen and Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges (MA) at Tilburg University. During the master programme Public Administration she gained a lot of knowledge about policy processes, policy analysis and advice. During the master programme Philosophy of Contemporary Challenges she has approached sustainability and environmental issues from an ethical perspective. In addition, she is currently taking courses from the master programme Environment and Society Studies (MSc) at Radboud University Nijmegen to gain more specialist knowledge in the field of sustainability.

After her studies, she completed the Blue Book Traineeship at the European Commission. After that, she worked as an analyst at Rabobank. Lotte perceives her work for SMK as a unique opportunity to contribute to making businesses, and more specific non-food products, more sustainable.

Mail Lotte: lvandenbosch@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Klara Schmalbach has been working at SMK since March 2024. As a junior project leader for the EU Ecolabel, she supports the non-food department in preparing applications and assists the team with EU Ecolabel certification. Additionally, she serves as the point of contact for inquiries regarding the EU Ecolabel.

Klara came to the Netherlands for her master’s studies in Governance of Sustainability at Leiden University. While expanding her knowledge of the intersection between environmental and policy studies in this program, her personal focus was on the circular economy and European legislation.

Klara sees her work at SMK as a great opportunity to contribute to increased circularity within the EU and the Netherlands.

Mail  LinkedIn  

Ellen Brussee has been working at SMK since October 2019. As a Communication Manager, she deals with the b-to-b communication activities for SMK and the different labels and programs. She is in contact with our stakeholders through press releases, events, websites, newsletters, and social media channels. In addition, she facilitates hallmark holders in their consumer communication through guidelines, advice, and content. Ellen is part of the Communication Working Group of the European Commission for the EU Ecolabel.

Ellen studied Science of Communication at the University of Amsterdam. In Canada she followed a minor Marketing and graduated in Amsterdam with a Master of Science in Corporate Communication. She continued to develop and achieved certifications in Business and Online Marketing.

She worked in profit and non-profit organizations on the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies for different (international) target groups. While working at agencies, she worked for clients like HelloFresh, Qurrent, VandeBron, Rabobank and the municipality of Leiden. Her expertise lies in the area of social media.

Mail Ellen: ebrussee@smk.nl  LinkedIn   

Since summer 2024, Jindra has been working as a communications consultant at SMK. She did her Bachelor in Communication Studies and her Master in Communication Studies at the University of Amsterdam. In South Africa, Jindra followed a minor in Media & Film Studies. Before joining SMK, she worked in the cultural and non-profit sector. In her new position, she can pursue her interest in sustainability. ‘In this position, I can combine my background in communications with my social commitment. I like to dedicate myself to a more sustainable world, which is exactly what SMK stands for. That is why I am looking forward to using my expertise for SMK.’

mailto:jspan@smk.nl  LinkedIn  

Juanita Franco Creutzberg has been working as a communications officer at SMK since September 2025. In this role, she is the hands on behind the communications team and translates strategies into clear and accessible communication. She combines her broad experience with a practical approach and is committed to highlighting the impact of certification labels, enabling businesses and consumers to make more conscious and sustainable choices.

Juanita studied Biology and Science Communication at Leiden University and has over seventeen years of experience in international communications, mainly within the non-profit sector. She has worked at the intersection of strategy and execution on themes such as sustainability, forest management and conservation, social impact, and science.

“At SMK, I want to contribute to a sustainable future where certification labels make a real difference through clear and accessible communication.”

Mail Juanita: jcreutzberg@smk.nl  LinkedIn  

Ivar Schout brings his international experience in sales, procurement, and strategic partnerships together with his passion for sustainability to SMK. As Business Development Manager, he focuses on strengthening and expanding SMK’s impactful certification labels and programs.

He studied at HZ University of Applied Sciences and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he laid the foundation for his career in sustainability and business development. His career includes roles at Too Good To Go, Eosta Organic Fruit & Vegetables, WakaWaka, and various impact-driven organizations. Ivar has lived and worked in several countries across multiple continents, giving him a broad perspective on international sustainability challenges. In recent years, he has developed innovative business models and built strong strategic relationships.

Ivar is determined to work together with his colleagues at SMK, businesses, organizations, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to more sustainable production chains.

Mail Ivar: ischout@smk.nl  

Monique van Raam has worked as an office assistant at SMK since 1995. She is responsible for all occurring secretarial work, including the preparation and settlement of supervisory committees, hearings, and meetings of Boards of Experts and the Supervisory Board. She is also the contact person for personnel matters.

Before joining SMK, Monique worked as a secretary at Coopers & Lybrand Tax Advisors. There she worked as a jack-of-all-trades for the Chairman of the Board.

Mail Monique: mvanraam@smk.nl  

Nannette has been working at SMK as an office assistant since 2018. She is responsible for all occurring secretarial work, including the preparation and settlement of guidance committees, hearings and meetings of Colleges of Experts and Supervisory Boards.

Mail Nannette: nbraun@smk.nl  

Willian Klaassen has been working at SMK as a Financial Officer since January 2021. She takes care of billing, project administration and accounts receivable management and also does various control tasks and supporting administrative work.

Before Willian joined SMK, she worked at various insurance companies and insurance agencies, and then at several administrative offices.

Mail Willian: wklaassen@smk.nl  

With extensive work experience in both national and international back-office roles, Jilco started at SMK on February 6th and will be supporting the secretariat & finance. In his work, he places emphasis on people, is environmentally conscious, and is eager to contribute to building a sustainable future.

As a person, he enjoys the moment and nature. He also enjoys listening to music. His focus on caring for each other and our planet aligns with SMK’s vision and mission. He sees it as a great challenge and an opportunity to serve as a connecting factor between people and the environment.

Email: jdorst@smk.nl  LinkedIn  

Gijs Dröge (born 1959) has been the director/executive director of SMK since June 1, 2015. On a daily basis, he is dedicated to realizing SMK’s vision: to promote sustainability in the business sector in a positive manner and to increase the impact of SMK’s tools and instruments.

Prior to joining SMK, Gijs was the founder and partner in consulting firms specializing in public affairs, communication, and corporate social responsibility. Additionally, he is a member of the panel for the Transparency Benchmark of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. His career began in journalism, and he continues to publish regularly.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Gijs serves as the chairman of Liberaal Groen, a political think tank. He studied architecture at Delft University of Technology and completed several management courses in the United States.

 

 

Mail Gijs : gdroge@smk.nl   Bellen : 0653177112  LinkedIn   

Mail Lone: lvaerndal@smk.nl  LinkedIn