From Sugarcane Specialist to a Broader View of Agribusiness
- Marcel Wigman
- Grower Relations & Business Development Manager
“Agribusiness today is closely connected to geopolitics, food security, sustainability, logistics and global supply chains. I wanted to better understand how all these factors interact.”
After nearly two decades in the sugar-energy sector, Marcel Wigman reached a point familiar to many experienced professionals. Having built a successful career in business development, grower relations and agricultural operations, he began asking himself a simple but important question: Did I really know agribusiness, or did I mainly know one part of it very well?
"Over the years I gained a lot of experience within the sugar-energy sector, but I became increasingly curious about the wider agribusiness landscape," Marcel says. “Agribusiness today is closely connected to geopolitics, food security, sustainability, logistics and global supply chains. I wanted to better understand how all these factors interact."
That search for a broader perspective led him to the Executive MBA Food & Agribusiness at Wageningen University & Research.
Looking beyond a single sector
Marcel was looking for a programme that would expand his understanding of the agrifood system without interrupting his career. The modular structure of the MBA made that possible.
"What appealed to me most was that I could continue working while studying. The programme offered an international perspective, focused on real agribusiness challenges, while allowing me to balance my professional and personal responsibilities."
More than updating his knowledge, Marcel wanted to challenge his own assumptions and learn to view the sector from different angles.
“The programme offered an international perspective, focused on real agribusiness challenges, while allowing me to balance my professional and personal responsibilities.”
A new way of thinking about agribusiness
One of the highlights of the programme was learning alongside professionals from different countries, cultures and sectors.
"Every conversation brought a different perspective. It made me realise there isn't just one way of looking at agriculture or agribusiness."
Throughout the MBA, Marcel explored topics such as food security, sustainability, innovation and global market dynamics. More importantly, he developed a better understanding of how interconnected today's agribusiness challenges have become.
"What happens in one country can influence supply chains on another continent. Geopolitical developments affect logistics, production costs and the availability of inputs. That broader systems perspective was probably the most valuable lesson for me."
“Every conversation brought a different perspective. It made me realise there isn't just one way of looking at agriculture or agribusiness.”
Learning through practice and discussion
The practical nature of the programme also stood out. Case studies, group assignments and discussions based on real business situations helped translate theory into practice.
"The programme provided knowledge and methodologies, but more importantly, it strengthened my ability to connect different perspectives and understand agribusiness in a more integrated way. The combination of academic content and practical application made it directly relevant to the challenges I face in my work."
An experience that broadened perspectives
Looking back, Marcel sees his professional experience differently than before. While he still values the expertise he built within the sugar-energy sector, he now understands more clearly how it fits into the wider agrifood system.
"I still appreciate everything I've built throughout my career, but I now see much more clearly how that experience connects to the broader challenges facing global agribusiness."
For professionals considering the programme, his advice is straightforward.
"If you already have experience in agribusiness and want to broaden your perspective, this MBA offers much more than new knowledge. It challenges the way you think, connects you with professionals from around the world and helps you better understand the complexity of today's agrifood sector. Continuous learning remains one of the best ways to keep evolving, both professionally and personally."
“It challenges the way you think, connects you with professionals from around the world and helps you better understand the complexity of today's agrifood sector.”