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PRESS RELEASE: BelOrta elects new Board of Directors and Chair – Cooperative return based on strong results
Sint Katelijne-Waver, May 31, 2024 - Last Thursday, May 23, the members of BelOrta elected a new Board of Directors during the General Assembly. Based on a good financial result, a significant cooperative payout is also planned for 2024. In its first meeting after the General Assembly, the Board of Directors elected Marc Smets as the new chairman. He will be assisted by vice-chairmen Peter Aarts, Danny Raskin, and Karel Bosschaerts.
Beautiful financial results lead to lasting cost reductions for growers
BelOrta experienced significant growth in 2023, partly thanks to the integration of the Belgian Fruit Auction. All affiliated growers achieved a total product turnover of 583 million euros. In 2023, BelOrta delivered a strong financial result. During the General Meeting, it was also made clear that provisions are in place for a significant cooperative rebate in 2024. The vast majority of GMO support flows back to growers through producer-focused actions and collective investments. In this way, the Board of Directors and management aim to continue the cost reduction trajectory for all loyal vegetable and fruit growers without compromising service and commercial strength.
Meet our new Board of Directors
The following 20 directors will shape BelOrta's policies in the coming years: Aarts Peter, Algoet Didier, Bosschaerts Karel, Coolen Jack, De Keyser Bert, De Langhe Bart, De Ryck Jelle, De Wit Koen, Groven Patrick, Hermans Geert, Raskin Danny, Reijnders Gert, Smets Marc, Stockx Dieter, Van Haelst Raf, Van Hauteghem Koen, Van Hoof Pieter, Van Ingelgom Patrick, Verschaeren Peter, and Vertommen Wim.
With the installation of the new Board of Directors, BelOrta also bid farewell to the following directors: Dirk Bertels, Johan Magnus, Mathieu Pauly, Robin Van Apers, and Marja Van Dessel. Additionally, the appointed board mandates of the following former BFV directors have ended: Marc Benoit, Johnny Corthaut, Ludo Lousbergh, Kristof Merckx, Patrick Thoen, and Mario Vanhellemont.
New Chairman and Vice-Chairpersons
The new Supervisory Board elected Marc Smets (second from the left) as chairman yesterday evening, a week after the General Meeting. Marc Smets succeeds Dirk Bertels and is supported by vice-chairpersons Danny Raskin, Peter Aarts, and Karel Bosschaerts.
Marc Smets has been a tomato grower in Sint-Katelijne-Waver since 1991. In 2004, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Mechelen Auctions, and since 2013 of BelOrta, serving as Chairman of the Tomato Product Advisory Group in 2021. Marc Smets also serves on several boards associated with the Belgian auction sector.
Peter Aarts (Vice-Chairman of BelOrta) is a cucumber grower in Asten, the Netherlands. In 2022, he joined the Board of Directors and became chairman of the Cucumber Product Advisory Group and the Autumn Tomato Growers Advisory Group. Peter has extensive management experience in the Dutch horticulture sector.
Danny Raskin (Vice-Chairman of BelOrta) is a fruit grower in Romershoven-Hoeselt. Since 1983, he has been a member of the Board of the Borgloon Auction. Since January 1, 2014, he has been Vice-Chairman of the BelOrta Board of Directors and since 2018, chairman of the Hard Fruit Product Advisory Group, a position that has been reaffirmed.
Karel Bosschaerts (Vice-Chairman of BelOrta) grows various field vegetables in Putte, alongside some greenhouse vegetables. In 2021, he was elected as a member of the BelOrta board for the first time and took on the chairmanship of several Product and Grower Advisory Groups. An engagement that has been continued.