Mark, Manager of Cooperative Affairs and Dairy Farming.
Working at CONO since 2012
Favourite cheese: Beemster Extra Virgin

"We do it for the farmer."

"When I was no longer tied to the south of the country, it was a logical step for me to look for a new challenge in North Holland, where my roots are. I chose CONO Kaasmakers at the time because we work with a tangible product. Before that I worked for an organisation that represented the interests of farmers and market gardeners. Now it's an ideal combination: working for and with farmers on the tastiest cheese."

"I have now been allowed to lead the Cooperative Affairs & Dairy Farming Department at CONO for ten years. The name of our department already says what we do; we deal with all things related to dairy farming and the cooperative. It may not sound very hip, but that doesn't make it any less fun or challenging. On the contrary. Together with the board, we translate the cooperative's policies into practical implementation for our dairy farmers. We deal with milk transport and, very importantly, milk quality. We can regularly be found at the kitchen table with one of our dairy farmers to advise on, for example, milk quality or to hear what is currently going on at their farm. As a team, we are always available to our dairy farmers."

"The days I'm not on the road for work, I like to work in the office. There are also opportunities to work from home, depending on your position. Actually, I always take my work home a little bit. After all, the milk supply runs 24/7!"

"Of course our outlook extends beyond our own cooperative. For example, as a dairy, we are a member of the Dutch Dairy Organization (NZO) and a partner within the Sustainable Dairy Chain where I also represent CONO on various committees."

"I find it very interesting to work for a cooperative. It's a simple model: an association with a business. No shareholders far from you, but the profits go to the members. Our own farmers. You know who you're doing it for and that makes the 'we' feeling enormously strong."

"As employees at CONO, we have it good. We have a great workplace in the Beemster polder and everyone has a focus on cooperation and the processing of milk."