At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Juan Montes, Product Development Specialist Tomato from Almería, Spain.

Juan Montes, father of two, was born in a coastal town in Almería, Spain. “Fortunately, I grew up surrounded by beaches and greenhouses, and since my father is a farmer, my connection with the crops was inevitable. So, I studied agricultural engineering at the University of Almería and started working as a crop advisor in 2004. After a little more than two years, I changed sectors and began working as an engineer in the technical department of a public works company. However, my love for crops led me back to technical advising for seven years at a large export company. Finally, I joined Hazera in 2014 as the development manager for tomato cultivation, where I remain to this day.”

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“In the agricultural sector, seed companies and the people who work for them are well received because they always bring new developments. However, we are rarely fully trusted, and it is often thought that our goal is only to sell at all costs.” Juan shook his head and said, “but nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that we aim to sell and repeat the sale year after year, but what we really seek is a partner who evolves and works with us, and we strive to build long-term partnerships, where both parties benefit and is built on trust.”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
Juan said that “listening and understanding are the most essential traits.” He continued saying that “many times, we are eager to explain our materials, varieties, and their advantages, but perhaps we do not fully understand the focus, which leads to frustrations. Properly listening to and understanding the needs of the growers, the supply chain, and the consumers are the keys to success in our business.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“Over my ten years at Hazera, I’ve been part of many projects, but I’m especially proud of my growing involvement in Fresh Chain. This initiative allows me to deepen my knowledge of cultivation and markets while gaining a broader, global perspective on the business. It also gives me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse countries and cultures,” Juan shared enthusiastically then he added, “It’s not just exciting—it’s also a significant challenge. A great example is our exceptional Roma tomato, Heredero. I have the privilege of showcasing it to customers in various countries, including Mexico, Morocco, and Spain, where it has been performing well. Heredero embodies everything we strive for: outstanding quality, firmness, ideal shape and size, high production, and most importantly, resistances, especially against ToBRFV.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
Juan said that for him Grower Together means “on one hand, growing myself as a professional, thanks to the development opportunities provided by Hazera and the chance to meet incredible people and professionals from other countries, whom I also see evolving. On the other hand, seeing how the growers, who work with us, grow thanks to our varieties and recommendations.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Although everyone sees a logical progression in my career—being the son of a farmer, growing up surrounded by greenhouses—it’s normal to be linked to this job/sector. But the truth is, for me as a child going to the greenhouse when we misbehaved was a punishment by my father. When I got to university and told him I wanted to be an agricultural engineer, he was perplexed and when I started my studies, I discovered a new world and began to see plants differently. Fortunately.” Smiled Juan.

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