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Where we come from

Forestry plantations around the world face the same challenge:

How to meet growing demand for timber without compromising the health of the land or the performance of the operation?

Planting crew setting out young trees on a cleared plantation site

At Forest3, we believe growth is in the details. Every tree species, site and operation deserves a tailored approach to nutrition, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Hands planting a seedling with a trowel
Two specialists reviewing data on a laptop in a eucalyptus plantation
Hand holding fertilizer granules
Forester explaining among young pine trees

Drawing on decades of fertilizer expertise and applied R&D, we partner with forestry specialists and local teams to design, test, and refine nutrition programs tailored to specific plantation needs.

Aerial view of a worker among rows of planting holes on prepared plantation land

Our approach is Lean-and-Green. Placing nutrients precisely where they are needed, we support faster growth, reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

Aerial view of a large eucalyptus plantation stretching to the horizon

The result? Forests that flourish and operations that thrive.

Our Purpose

Innovating forestry to meet growing timber demand, lean and green.

Our mission

To partner with industry experts and leaders to develop, test and deliver precision nutrition programs that support growth, reduce operational complexity and transform forestry fertilization for a sustainable future.

Our vision

Pioneering commercial forestry nutrition through science and technology, raising industry standards and helping plantations thrive.

For commercial forestry operations, we’ll be the partner of choice for precision nutrition, helping them realize the genetic potential of their trees with fewer inputs, lower emissions and more room for nature to flourish.

Our team
Our team

In-field

With our minds and boots on the ground, we work alongside forestry teams, combining fundamental research with practical experience to develop nutrition programs that work in the field.

Johan Bredenkamp

Johan Bredenkamp

Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Tree nutrition

West Africa & South America

Johan Bredenkamp

Johan Bredenkamp

Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Their story

With 22 years of experience in plant nutrition, Johan specializes in forestry nutrition and the relationship between soil, plants and their environment. Passionate about how nutrient demand shapes plant development, he thrives working in the field, where he can observe tree growth first-hand and identify opportunities to improve it.

Quote

“No plantation is perfect. Look for opportunities and develop solutions to optimize growth.”

Louis de Kock

Louis de Kock

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical sales

East & Sub-Saharan Africa

Louis de Kock

Louis de Kock

Technical and Sales Representative

Their story

Louis brings over 13 years of experience in agriculture, forestry and the fertilizer industry. Having lived and worked in several African countries in the forestry and fertilizer sectors, he has gained valuable regional knowledge and insight into local market opportunities. Louis sees great potential in bringing together nutrition, technical knowledge and local experience to create better outcomes for forestry in sub-Saharan Africa.

Quote

“Go where others won’t. Build relationships where others see barriers, and create opportunities where others see challenges.”

Yee Kheong Lee

Yee Kheong Lee

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical sales

Southeast Asia

Yee Kheong Lee

Yee Kheong Lee

Technical and Sales Representative

Their story

With a practical agricultural background in farm management, irrigation and fertigation, Yee Kheong has extensive experience working with growers and plantation operators across Southeast Asia. He believes good solutions start with listening and understanding customers’ real challenges. Connecting Forest3’s technical expertise with local needs, Yee Kheong works with customers and partners to develop practical solutions for better nursery quality, early tree growth and more sustainable plantations.

Quote

“Listen first, understand the problem, and find a practical solution together.”

Sharp minds see more
Sharp minds see more

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board brings together expertise and experience from forestry, science, nutrition and business.

By challenging our thinking, questioning assumptions and sharing practical insights, its members help us make better decisions and continuously improve our approach.

Charl Marais

Charl Marais

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist
Charl Marais

Charl Marais

Independent Diagnostic Agronomist

Their story

With a background in analytical chemistry and diagnostic agronomy, Charl brings extensive experience in identifying nutrient deficiencies and soil limitations. His expertise in tailored fertilizer formulations and carbon-based technologies helps Forest3 refine nutrition strategies for different soil and climate conditions. He understands that no two sites are exactly alike, particularly when growing trees on marginal soils, where getting the nutrition right is critical to successful establishment and growth.

Quote

"Two sites rarely need exactly the same fertilizer."

Education

  • Certificate of Competence in Analytical Chemistry, Witwatersrand Technicon

Previous experience

  • Senior Analytical Chemist, Anglo American Corporation, South Africa (1989–1998). Responsible for laboratory operational efficiency and analytical accuracy.
  • Founder & Diagnostic Agronomy Consultant, OptiFert CC (1999). Established an agricultural consultancy focused on diagnostic agronomy and plant nutrition.
  • Founder, Cyflo (Pty) Ltd (2007). Developed agricultural carrier technology, with a focus on liposome-based delivery and activated-carbon granules and pellets.

Key Achievements

  • Developed FertPro software to interpret soil reports in a “Chemical-Mathematical” manner, processing over 60 variables in less than 0.01 seconds using thousands of algorithms and hundreds of chemical-mathematical conflict formulas.
  • Not only does it give advanced warning of potential nutrient “lockup” or “excessive release” of nutrients in a particular soil, it formulates a custom fertilizer combination of up to 14 nutrients, in the required ratio, specifically for the crop identified to be grown on the field in question. The software was developed over a 16 year period and is regularly updated.
Dr. Colin Smith

Dr. Colin Smith

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor
Dr. Colin Smith

Dr. Colin Smith

Independent Forestry & Silviculture Advisor

Their story

Dr. Colin Smith brings a wealth of experience in commercial plantation forestry and silviculture. He is helping Triferto develop a research program that optimizes tree nutrition based on the supply and demand dynamics of different tree species under varying climatic and soil conditions. The emphasis is on welding practical solutions to sound scientific principles.

Quote

"Good field trials are worth their weight in gold."

Education

  • University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, England (1979–82): BSc (hons) Soil Science
  • Institute of Soils and Water, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel (1982–1985): MPhil, awarded by the University of Reading, England 1985
  • University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (part-time 1992–1996): PhD

Relevant previous positions

  • Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Program Manager: Technical Services (1994–1998)
  • Program Manager: Silviculture & Forest Productivity (1999–2009)

Awards/positions

  • President of the Southern African Institute of Forestry (2003–2006)
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist (C3)

Relevant publications

  • Smith, C.W., and du Toit, B., (2005). The effect of harvesting operations, slash management and fertilisation on the growth of a Eucalyptus clonal hybrid on a sandy soil. Southern African Forestry Journal, 203: 15–26.
  • B du Toit, CW Smith, KM Little, G Boreham and RN Pallett (2010). Intensive, site-specific silviculture: Manipulating resource availability at establishment for improved stand productivity. A review of South African research. Forest Ecology and Management 259: 1836–1845.
  • Saint Andre L, Laclau J-P, Deleporte P, Gava JL, Goncalves JLM, Mendham D, Nzila JD, Smith CW, du Toit B, Xu DP, Marien J-N, Nouvellon Y, Boulliet J-P and Ranger J. (2008). Site management and productivity in tropical plantation forests (Nambiar EKS. Ed). Proceedings of Workshops in Piracicaba (Brazil) 22–26 November 2004 and Bogor (Indonesia) 6–9 November 2006. Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor, Indonesia. p. 173–189.
Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur
Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

Business Strategist & Entrepreneur

Their story

Kai combines knowledge of the fertilizer industry and Triferto’s network with extensive experience in building new concepts and businesses across a wide range of sectors. Within Forest3, Kai brings a business perspective to the team’s specialist expertise, challenging people to think beyond established patterns and turn knowledge into opportunity. He believes lasting success comes from strong client relationships built on trust, knowledge sharing and the combined strengths of dedicated professionals with different disciplines and perspectives.

Quote

"Working together helps opportunities flourish and challenges fall away."

Education

  • Van Hall Instituut, Animal Husbandry (2007)
  • Fenedex, Exportmanager (2010)
  • Vistage Chair Academy (2023)

Milestones

  • Acquisition and integration of Pillaert (2021)
  • Purchase and distribution partnership with Agrifirm (2022)
  • Purchase Alliance with RWZ (2022)
  • Pre-launch of the Forest3 brand (2025)

Previous experience

  • CEO Triferto (2019–present)
  • Board member Meststoffen Nederland (2019–present)
  • Executive board member Royal Brokking Groep (2025–present)
  • Vistage Chair (2023–present)
  • Managing Director Duynie B.V., a Royal Cosun company (2015–2019)
Paul Warburton

Paul Warburton

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor
Paul Warburton

Paul Warburton

Independent Tree Breeding & Nursery Advisor

Their story

Paul brings extensive knowledge of tree breeding, seedling development and nursery systems, including eucalyptus hybrid development and clone testing. Drawing on his scientific and operational background, he helps Forest3 align nutrition programs with the biological needs of trees and the realities of commercial plantations. He understands from experience what supports strong establishment, healthy growth and long-term productivity.

Quote

"The importance of principle-based testing is to establish a framework for improving our understanding of plant needs and how products can be improved to address those needs."

Education

  • BSc (Hons) Plant Sciences, James Cook University (1999)

Awards

  • Sir Joseph Banks Medal for Botany (James Cook University)
  • William R. Birch Prize in Plant Ecology & Systematics (James Cook University)

Relevant previous positions

  • Stream Leader & Subject Matter Expert, Genics Pty Ltd (2025–present). Coordinates biodiesel research, project partners, trials and milestones.
  • Director, NurSeed Forestry Research Support Services Pty Ltd (2018–present). Leads forestry R&D strategy, tree improvement and nursery development.
  • R&D Technical Manager, Borneo Forestry Cooperative (2018–present). Coordinates research in tree improvement, silviculture, nursery systems and plantation health.
  • Senior Extension Officer & Research Nursery Project Leader, Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, Indonesia (2014–2017). Improved nursery productivity, plant quality, propagation and biosecurity.
  • Consultant, Boden and Associates (2008–2014). Supported tree breeding programs, field trials and nursery improvements in Malaysian Borneo.
  • Research Projects Officer, CSIRO Plant Industry, Australia (2001–2014). Led eucalyptus hybridisation, propagation research and international forestry capacity-building projects.

Publications & Conferences

  • Scientific journal articles and international conference papers
  • Plenary speaker at International Plant Breeding Conference, Malaysia (2024)
Team
Team

Business & Management

We care about where Forest3 is heading, and we share the responsibility of shaping its future.

With different perspectives from business development, finance, management, and communication, we challenge ideas, set priorities, and work together to put our plans into practice.

Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

CEO

CEO
Kai Kikkers

Kai Kikkers

CEO

Their story

Kai Kikkers combines entrepreneurial drive with business experience and fertilizer industry knowledge. Connecting specialist expertise with commercial opportunities, he challenges conventional thinking and cultivates partnerships that thrive.

Quote

"Working together helps opportunities flourish and challenges fall away."

Pieter de Kock

Pieter de Kock

New Business Development Director

New Business Development Director
Pieter de Kock

Pieter de Kock

New Business Development Director

Their story

Pieter thrives on breaking convention and finds opportunities where others see obstacles. At Forest3, he brings an unconventional mindset to business development, pushing through the tough stuff to get things moving.

Quote

"Challenge the obvious. Make the impossible possible, and keep moving forward."

Maikel Van de Velde

Maikel Van de Velde

General Manager

General Manager
Maikel Van de Velde

Maikel Van de Velde

General Manager

Their story

Maikel brings structure, analytical thinking and execution focus to Forest3. He connects people, expertise and priorities to turn complexity into action and build a scalable, sustainable business.

Quote

"Think beyond your role."

Renée Nederlof

Renée Nederlof

Marketing & Communication Team Lead

Marketing & Communication Team Lead
Renée Nederlof

Renée Nederlof

Marketing & Communication Team Lead

Their story

Renée connects creative thinking with hands-on marketing experience to find smarter ways to grow.
With timber and paper in her family background, and even a surname linked to trees, her story comes full circle at Forest3.

Quote

"Everything worthwhile takes effort."

Wilfried Winters

Wilfried Winters

Business Controller

Business Controller
Wilfried Winters

Wilfried Winters

Business Controller

Their story

Looking at business from a different angle, Wilfried brings a financial perspective to Forest3. A passionate runner, our financial guy enjoys the outdoors, with nothing beating a run in the forest.

Quote

"Figures only make sense when you know the story behind them."

Team
Team

Product Development & R&D

We’re curious about what happens in the field and believe good product development starts with understanding how products perform in practice.

With experience in forestry nutrition, research, and field trials, we test ideas, study the results, and use what we learn to keep improving our products.

Johan Breden­kamp

Johan Breden­kamp

Head of Product Development & Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Head of Product Development & Forestry Nutritional Specialist
Johan Breden­kamp

Johan Breden­kamp

Head of Product Development & Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Their story

Johan spends plenty of time in the field, testing new products and seeing how they perform in practice. He takes what he learns into product development, helping move forestry nutrition forward.

Quote

"Look for opportunities and develop solutions to optimize growth."

Marco Caprin

Marco Caprin

R&D Coordinator and Field Trial Specialist

R&D Coordinator and Field Trial Specialist
Marco Caprin

Marco Caprin

R&D Coordinator and Field Trial Specialist

Their story

Marco’s background in agronomy and fascination with plants drive his work in trial coordination and data analysis. He turns technical expertise and field results into insights that move plant nutrition forward.

Quote

"We do what we can, with the tools we have."

Team
Team

Customer Service, Operations & Design

We like to keep things organized, think ahead, and see things through. When something doesn’t go according to plan, we focus on finding a solution.

From customer service and logistics to production planning, communication, and design, our work looks different from day to day. What connects us is our attention to detail and the pride we take in doing things well.

Christon Spires

Christon Spires

Commercial Coordinator

Commercial Coordinator
Christon Spires

Christon Spires

Commercial Coordinator

Their story

Connecting teams and coordinating the details that matter, Christon keeps Forest3’s customer service and logistics running smoothly. Curious by nature, she knows that what we do today shapes what grows tomorrow.

Quote

"Stay curious, work with purpose, and always keep growing."

Rocky Braet

Rocky Braet

Operations

Operations
Rocky Braet

Rocky Braet

Operations

Their story

Rocky has been with Triferto since 2008, keeping NutriBag production and logistics on track. From planning materials to solving machine issues, he enjoys seeing every part of the process come together.

Quote

"Never change a winning team."

Abbey Keurentjes

Abbey Keurentjes

Junior Design & Communication Specialist

Junior Design & Communication Specialist
Abbey Keurentjes

Abbey Keurentjes

Junior Design & Communication Specialist

Their story

With a creative background and an eye for detail, Abbey brings visual design and communication together at Forest3. Eager to explore and learn, she enjoys creating thoughtful designs that fit their purpose, while discovering more about the world of forestry along the way.

‍

Quote

"Creativity starts with curiosity."

Partners

Powering progress

"Our partnership with Forest3 is built on trust, openness and a shared vision for forestry innovation. Their dedicated focus on tailored forestry nutrition, from nursery to field and post-planting, is what makes them unique. Without this collaboration, NutriBag, marketed as NuTreebag in Sub-Saharan Africa, would have taken much longer to achieve the success it has today”.

Sean MacKenzie

Nursery Manager

Partner Review

Triferto

Triferto is an international wholesaler of mineral fertilizers, providing solutions for efficient fertilization and sustainable growth. 100% family-owned and part of the Royal Brokking Group, Triferto combines decades of industry expertise with a long-term view of agriculture.

With over 85 employees, exports to more than 55 countries, and storage capacity exceeding 300,000 tons across 12 locations in Northwest Europe, Triferto is a trusted partner to growers, distributors, wholesalers, and fertilizer producers worldwide.

Growing across borders

We go where trees grow

Forest3 works wherever forestry takes root. We work with foresters all over the world, across markets, species and growing conditions.

From established regions to new frontiers, from single operations to large-scale plantations, we connect knowledge, solutions and local understanding to optimize growth.

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South America

Johan Bredenkamp

Johan Bredenkamp

Forestry Nutritional Specialist

Forestry Nutritional Specialist
Louis de Kock

Louis de Kock

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical and Sales Representative
Yee Kheong Lee

Yee Kheong Lee

Technical and Sales Representative

Technical and Sales Representative
Let’s talk forestry

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