Division Sustaining Horticulture in a Changing World [DSUS]

ISHS Elections – Vice-Chairperson – Candidates
Division Sustaining Horticulture in a Changing World [DSUS]

[1] Dr. Maria Claudia Dussi (Argentina)

Prof. Claudia Dussi is a full professor of Agroecology and Temperate fruit physiology and culture (National University of Comahue, Patagonia, Argentina). She led the Study group in Sustainability of Agroecosystems (GESAF) in which she does research and extension. She trains graduate students in Indicators of Sustainability, energy flux and efficiency, carbon footprint in agroecosystems, plant bioregulators in fruit production and organic fruit tree management and culture. She had worked as a private consultant in the organic industry. She was part of the Int. Advisory Board of the AGROMIX PROJECT – GA n.862993. 2021-2024 (AGROforestry and MIXed farming systems to drive the transition to a resilient and efficient land use in Europe). http://agromixproject.eu/. Speaker IFOAM 50th Conference, 2022. South Korea. Evaluator of Research projects between South Africa and China “National Research Foundation” and “Research and Innovation Support and Advancement (2013), among others. Board member of the Latin America Scientific Soc. of Agroecology (SOCLA) and the Argentinean Soc. of Agroecology (SAAE). Chair of ISHS Commission Agroecology and Organic Farming Systems (CMOR) 2022-2026 and Vice-Chair CMOR 2018-2022.

[2] Dr. Steven Underhill (Australia)

Prof Underhill, Director: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, has 38 years of applied research experience in tropical horticulture in developing countries (South Pacific and SE Asia). Prof Underhill first joined ISHS in 1993, is an international expert in smallholder horticultural food systems and food loss, has published more than 80 academic papers and was awarded an Australia Day Medal for services to agriculture. Prof Underhill has adjunct Professorial appointments with the Solomon Islands National University, Fiji National University and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. Prof Underhill is a strong advocate for Small Island Developing States, the Pacific region, International Development and sustainable horticultural food systems.

[3] Dr. Johannes W.H. van der Waal (Netherlands)

With a BSc in Chemical Engineering, MSc in Management Science, and PhD in Management, I combine science, business, and tropical fruit value-chain development. I have over 25 years’ experience across Africa and Latin America in sustainable fruit chains, smallholder integration, and export development. My work includes blueberry development in Tanzania and Fairtrade/organic mango exports from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali. For 18 years at AgroFair, I worked with farmer cooperatives and post-harvest systems for organic bananas across Latin America and Africa. I served on the scientific committee of the IHC2022 XII International Symposium on Banana in Angers. I have supported CIRAD, Bioversity, and WUR work on TR4, digital twins, and organic integrity in banana value chains. I have authored numerous publications in Acta Horticulturae and international journals, and am fluent in English, French, and Spanish. My career connects practice and science to advance resilient, inclusive tropical and subtropical fruit systems.