Portugal
A dedicated professional with extensive experience in the soft fruit industry, specializing in breeding, variety development and integrated pest management research. I am currently focusing on the commercialization and optimization of new raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry cultivars, ensuring they meet market demands and exceed expectations. I’m fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, which allows me to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams across different regions. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I’m committed to fostering a culture of fairness, accountability, and strong work ethics within diverse teams, driving results that matter.
In this new role, I will lead raspberry variety development across EMEA and will be responsible for raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry variety development in the Iberia region.
I am an integral part of Driscoll's Global Breeding Team, working across a diverse and dynamic landscape, focusing on the identification, promotion, optimization, and commercialization of new and improved raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry cultivars. My work is focused on advancing breeding programs to deliver cultivars that meet market demands, enhance product quality, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
I support the North European Strawberry Breeding team in the successful execution of the breeding program in East Malling, U.K. Ensure successful trialing through the implementation of excellent grower practices in seedling fields and test plots. Responsibilities include assisting in the selection and testing of strawberry germplasm, collecting and managing breeding data and database, test-plot design and logistics, post-harvest fruit quality assessment, reports, and execution of research projects. In addition, I assist with the identification of improved plant cultivars and the commercialization of these cultivars under the direction of the breeding department. I am also an active participant in the global breeding circles for strawberry breeding.
Working on a range of projects and commercial trials based on research and development of integrated pest management in fruit cropping systems.
Responsibilities: • Assessment, data collection and input of randomized trials in strawberry plants to investigate Bombus terrestris activity and pollination; • Lab work including fruit quality assessment in strawberry, evaluation of bumblebee pollen loads, collection and input of data.
Responsibilities: • Organizing, setting and assessment of randomized trials in cherry crops and woodlands to identify the attraction of new attractant for Drosophila suzukii as well as collection, input and statistical data analyses; • Laboratory work including bioassays for determining the attraction of blends, testing an entomopathogenic fungi for control of the pest, data collection and statistical analyses; • Report writing; • Management of SWD cultures in quarantine facilities.
Responsibilities: • day to day crop walking checking for quality, growth and health; • responsible for the effective and on time Agrochemical and fertiliser programme; • helping to ensure the delivery of site performance targets and business strategy.