Jacob van den Borne: Digital Twinning for a Future Farming Perspective
Jacob van den Borne is a pioneering Dutch precision farmer and internationally recognised innovator in data-driven agriculture. As the driving force behind Van den Borne Aardappelen, he has transformed traditional potato farming into a high-tech, highly efficient operation through the use of advanced digital tools, sensors, robotics, and data analytics.
Jacob van den Borne
Specialising in precision potato cultivation, Jacob integrates technologies such as GPS-guided machinery, drones, satellite imaging, soil sensors, and artificial intelligence to optimize every stage of production—from planting and irrigation to fertilisation, disease management, and harvesting. His farm has become a global showcase for precision agriculture, demonstrating how data and automation can improve yields, reduce input costs, and minimise environmental impact.
Jacob is widely regarded as a thought leader in smart farming and sustainable food production. He collaborates with leading agri-tech companies, research institutions, and farmers worldwide to test and scale innovative solutions that improve efficiency, soil health, and resource use. His farm is part of the National Platform Agricultural Experimentation Locations, contributing to agricultural innovation in the Netherlands.
Van den Borne combines practical farming knowledge with entrepreneurial vision. His work is helping shape the future of agriculture by proving that precision farming can deliver both economic and environmental benefits at scale.
VDBorne Campus is an international innovation hub for precision farming, where farmers, technology companies, researchers, governments and agrifood partners work together to shape the future of sustainable agriculture. The campus combines practical agricultural expertise with advanced technologies such as AI, drones, sensors, satellite data and smart dashboards to accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture.
The campus offers high-quality research facilities, field labs, demonstration fields, educational programs, business support and collaborative workspaces. Through initiatives such as the Smart Farming Academy and practical innovation projects, VDBorne Campus helps farmers and agritech companies develop scalable, data-driven solutions that increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Workshop
Wednesday, June 3rd, 12:00-13:00, Innovation Square 2, VIV Hall 10, Jaarbeurs
In this workshop Jacob van den Borne tells you all there is to know about the use of data and digital twinning to create a perspective for future farmers.
Register your free ticket for VIV Europe 2026 in Utrecht and join us at Cities Leading Food Production’s Innovation Atelier!
