Rafał Pająk

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Responsible for managing a portfolio of 30 agricultural properties, covering a total of 22,500 hectares, ensuring optimal performance and profitability across all assets.
• Investment Planning and Execution: Develop and implement strategic investment plans for capital improvements and asset enhancements, aimed at maximizing long-term returns and farm productivity.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all farming operations and investments adhere to industry standards and local regulations, while proactively managing risks associated with large-scale agricultural activities.
• Agronomy and Precision Agriculture: Leverage agronomic expertise and precision agriculture techniques to optimize crop management,

ASSISTANT REGIONAL ASSET MANAGER (NORTHERN POLAND), WESTCHESTER GROUP INVESTMENT (CURRENTLY NUVEEN NATURAL CAPITAL), DEC 2018 - FEB 2024
I started in December 2018 with Westchester Group Investment Management (WGIM), which became part of Nuveen in January 2021 and was rebranded as Nuveen Natural Capital. Over this period, I built my experience and expertise by assisting Regional Asset Managers in overseeing a portfolio of 42,000 hectares. From 2018 to 2022, I was actively involved in contract farming, agronomy, and precision agriculture.

Responsibilities:

• Capex Project Management: Led and executed capital expenditure projects, including infrastructure improvements, irrigation systems, and drainage enhancements, aimed at increasing farm productivity and asset value.
• Contract Farming Management: Managed and supervised farms under contract farming agreements, ensuring compliance with terms and maximizing operational efficiency and profitability.
• Tenant and Operator Sourcing: Proactively sourced and evaluated potential tenants, farm operators, and contractors for investment projects, ensuring high standards and alignment with regional strategies.
• Farm Auditing: Conducted regular audits of farms within the portfolio to assess operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaised with local stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations, to facilitate smooth operations, resolve issues, and ensure adherence to regional regulations.

As a Farm Manager at KST Konsulting, I was responsible for managing a 1,500-hectare farm near Gdańsk, where I oversaw the production of various crops, including wheat, oilseed rape, beans, peas, maize, and alfalfa. During my time in this role, I developed my expertise in crop management, farm infrastructure improvements, and team leadership. I was actively involved in implementing key projects such as land reshaping, drainage, and the introduction of modern farming techniques to maximize yields and farm efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Crop Management: Managed the day-to-day operations of a 1,500-hectare farm, ensuring optimal planting schedules, crop rotation, and harvest planning to achieve record yields.
• Infrastructure Development: Led projects to upgrade farm infrastructure, including drainage systems and storage facilities, enhancing overall farm productivity and sustainability.
• Team Leadership: Supervised and coordinated the work of farm staff and contractors, ensuring that all tasks were completed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Agronomic Practices: Applied advanced agronomic practices to improve soil fertility, water management, and crop health, contributing to the farm’s success.
• Compliance and Certifications: Successfully obtained Global G.A.P. certification for the farm, ensuring compliance with international standards for good agricultural practices.

As Assistant Farm Manager, I supported the management of a 2,700-hectare dairy and arable farm in southern Poland. My role involved coordinating daily farm operations, overseeing crop production, and ensuring the maintenance of farm infrastructure. I also played a key role in setting up irrigation systems and optimizing the use of farm resources to enhance productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Support: Assisted in managing daily activities on a large-scale dairy and arable farm, focusing on efficient crop production.
• Infrastructure Oversight: Supervised the maintenance and repair of farm equipment and buildings, ensuring smooth operation.
• Resource Optimization: Contributed to the setup and management of irrigation systems, improving water usage and crop yields.