In the rural town of Berlicum, Netherlands, Dorieke Goodijk is redefining what it means to be a farmer, and a leader. A camel farmer and entrepreneur, Dorieke is building a unique bridge between hands-on agricultural work and broader policy engagement, driven by her conviction that social innovation is just as crucial as technical know-how in the future of farming.
The camel farm was started 15 years ago by her husband, but Dorieke joined the business 12 years ago and soon launched her entrepreneurial ventures alongside it. “I’ve always loved to be an entrepreneur”, she explains. One of her key initiatives is a leadership training programme aimed at developing both farmers and farm leaders, based on the belief that “if the farm leaders advance in their development, they inspire farmers to do the same”.
Unlike traditional agricultural enterprises, Dorieke’s vision includes a “living lab”: a space to explore how rural families, especially those with children, can better balance business demands with family life. “The balance between being a farmer, having your own business, and having kids is an interesting one” she notes. It was this challenge that led her to reflect on work conditions and family roles, not just on her farm but as a model for others.
While technological innovation plays a crucial role in modern agriculture, Dorieke believes that focusing solely on machines and methods overlooks the broader perspective. “In the Netherlands, we know so much about technical stuff already but the real problem is that we don’t have the social connection to go with it”. For her, innovation means connecting technological solutions with social context to make real, sustainable progress.
Unlike many rural entrepreneurs, Dorieke has deliberately chosen to stay independent. She collaborates with governments, consultants, and stakeholders, but prefers not to join formal associations. “I love to be independent”, she says, “so, I will never have any personal favours for either governments or for policy”.
Her participation in the GRASS CEILING project has been transformative. It helped her clarify her role on the farm and rethink the division of responsibilities with her husband and team. “My role at the farm was not clear”, she admits. “Now it’s clearer for me: I’m an advisor at the farm, and I help my husband to develop further, while I also continue to develop as an entrepreneur”.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Dorieke highlights the unique intersection between practice and policy. “Most people are either policymakers or farmers, but I love being in between. Then you can get results”.
Her advice for other women considering rural entrepreneurship is profound but straightforward: “Think about what you love most. Don’t start with ‘How can I earn money?’ or ‘How can I help my husband?’ Start with yourself, your values, your passions. Then you can always make a business with that”.