At Dekker Chrysanten in Hensbroek, we work with a team of over 170 passionate professionals. In our "Face of the Family" feature, we introduce one of our colleagues each month. Through a series of questions, we give you a glimpse into the diverse roles within our family business and help you get to know the people behind our company.

This month, we meet Inge de Jong, who supports the breeding process at Dekker Chrysanten through genetic research.

From Internship to Full-Time Position

Inge de Jong, 25 years old, has been working at Dekker Chrysanten for four years now. She started as an intern, returned for her graduation research project, and then joined the company as a full-time employee.
“I specifically wanted to do an internship at a smaller company because you often get more opportunities to experience different aspects of the work. At Dekker Chrysanten, you’re encouraged to be involved in a wide range of activities, and that really appealed to me.”

Her interest in biotechnology and plants didn’t come out of nowhere.
“My parents run a flower bulb business, so I’ve been surrounded by flowers from a young age. Working with chrysanthemums gave me a great opportunity to explore something new—outside the flower bulb sector.”

A Versatile Role

As a specialist in the research department, Inge focuses daily on marker development and genetic analysis. Her department plays a crucial role in supporting the breeding process by mapping out important traits.
“We develop genetic markers that help breeders select the best varieties. For example, we can determine at an early stage whether a plant is disease-resistant—without having to wait months for those traits to become visible in the greenhouse.”

No two days are the same for her.
“One day I might spend the entire day in the lab, the next I’m mainly working on data analysis. It’s that mix of hands-on and analytical work that makes my job so interesting.”

The diversity of chrysanthemums at Dekker Chrysanten continues to fascinate her.
“In the lab, I mostly see green leaves and DNA sequences, but every time I walk through the greenhouse, I’m amazed all over again by the incredible variety of colors and shapes.”

When she reflects on her work, it’s the variety that stands out most.
“Some days I’m fully immersed in lab work—constantly on the move and actively experimenting. Other days I spend hours behind the computer developing new markers. It’s always exciting to see what comes out of a new idea. Even late in the day, I can’t wait to check and analyze the results. Seeing the outcome of all that hard work is incredibly satisfying, even if it doesn’t always turn out the way I hoped.”

The Power of Collaboration

Inge works closely with the breeders.
“We provide the puzzle pieces: data on disease resistance, colour, growth, and other traits. The breeders use this information to decide which crosses have the most potential. Our job is all about gathering and analyzing data so they can make the best possible decisions.”

An important part of her role is testing the reliability of markers.
“Developing markers is one thing—but making sure they’re 100% predictive is a real challenge. Sometimes we create a marker that later turns out to be inaccurate. Then it’s back to the drawing board. That’s what makes this work both challenging and fascinating.”

Innovation and Passion

What does Inge enjoy most about her work?
“The variety and the dynamic nature of the job. No two days are the same, and I have a lot of freedom to organize my work in my own way. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to the development of new varieties and to see how our research directly impacts the products that eventually reach the market.”

She also appreciates the company culture at Dekker Chrysanten.
“Because it’s a relatively small company, you really get to know your colleagues and communication is quick and easy. If you have a good idea and can explain why it matters, people truly listen—and things can move forward quickly. That’s what makes working at Dekker Chrysanten so enjoyable.”

Looking Ahead

Inge is eager to continue developing her expertise in the field.
“There’s still so much to discover and improve in our work. My goal is to develop even better markers that support the breeding process more effectively. In the end, it’s all about finding the perfect chrysanthemum.”

With her passion for research and innovation, Inge is an essential part of the breeding process at Dekker Chrysanten. We’re proud to have her on our team!

Curious about what Dekker Chrysanten has to offer you?

Take a look at our job openings: Job Opportunities at Dekker Chrysanten.
You can also get in touch directly with our recruiter Erika by sending your application to apply@dekkerchrysanten.recruitee.com or calling +31 (0)226 – 45 60 60.