Holland Inspiration Congress VIV Asia 2019 - Bangkok, Thailand Thursday March 14th 10:00 - 12:30 h Location: Silk 4
The Dutch way of circular agriculture
Connecting farm-based innovations to strengthen the technical and economic status of poultry farmers in the chain
INTRODUCTION
The Netherlands strive to develop their agricultural sectors and businesses rapidly. Developments in the past were aiming to improve efficiency. The current focus is on sustainability and circularity in particular. We only have one planet and an increasing number of people to feed. So we are challenged to reduce the impact of food production on the environment, improve animal health and welfare and develop successful new product market combinations. The Dutch Government, farmers and supply chain partners are proud to tell you all about this transition at the Dutch Inspiration Congress at VIV Asia! This booklet gives you a highlight of the programm and introduction of the speakers. As moderator of this conference I hope to see you on March the 14th.
Hennie de Haan, representive of Dutch poultry farmers
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Holland Inspiration Congress THURSDAY MARCH 14TH 10:00 - 12:30 H LOCATION: SILK 4 Moderator:
Hennie de Haan, representive of Dutch poultry farmers
Opening
LandbouwattachĂŠ Willem Schoustra
Shift to circular Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Nature Freek Vossenaar
Circularity in livestock farming: the Dutch approach towards a sustainable future Wageningen University Research; Ingeborg de Wolf
Pitches 5 Dutch Farmers Johan Leenders Hugo Bens Johan Schuttert Albert Boersen Robert Nijkamp
Circular ways towards sustainability The Journey Healty long tails Floating Farm Rethink housing & rething food
Bitez Rogier Warnawa
A fairer food-service platform
Profit from Health: GD - Ruth Bouwstra Let’s make money in livestock with Plexus FarmResult - Richard ten Cate Monitor & control your animals real-time
Co-creation
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Erwin Sommen
How we create added value together
Simon Lague
Putting a number on sustainability
Wrap up and summary
Hennie de Haan
Frederik Vossenaar, Special Envoy, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
THE SHIFT TO CIRCULAR AGRICULTURE: BALANCING FOOD PRODUCTION AND NATURE AND THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY Agriculture, horticulture and fisheries make a major contribution to prosperity in the Netherlands. These sectors are characterised by ongoing innovation, high efficiency and low production costs. The Netherlands enjoys global renown as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products. Yet we can see that agriculture is economically vulnerable, in the Netherlands and elsewhere. Increases in scale and reductions in cost are not resulting in higher incomes for farmers. Farming is also putting pressure on the environment. Our planet can no longer sustain the burden of current production methods and consumer behaviour. Climate change is substantially magnifying the challenges facing the agrarian sector. Food production needs to be founded on different principles. Agriculture will have to make a transition from a model based on continual cost price reduction to one based on continual reductions in the use of raw materials. We must put an end to the wastage that now exists at various links in the food chain, from primary production to rubbish bins in kitchens. Healthy soil and the balance with nature are also central to circular agriculture. Agriculture in harmony with the environment and based on natural cycles will require encouraging farmers, entrepreneurs and researchers to share their knowledge and experience, not only in the Netherlands but also internationally. Markets are international, and circular systems can cut across national boundaries as well. We hope the Dutch presence at VIV Asia will bring together all the parties who must play a role in the transition to circular and sustainable agriculture.
Ingeborg de Wolf, Wageningen University Research
CIRCULARITY IN LIVESTOCK FARMING: THE DUTCH APPROACH TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Livestock farming is nowadays challenged by many preconditions that must be met: it should be climate-smart, energy neutral and nature inclusive to stimulate biodiversity. It must at least safeguard animal health and welfare and offer a good economic perspective not only for the farmer, but for the whole chain. It must be able to rely on public (and political) support. And let’s not forget the latest buzz word ‘circularity’. But what is circularity? In what ways is it different from the ecological footprint? And most of all, how can we put circularity in practice? We will offer you some inspiring examples of circularity as the Dutch approach towards a sustainable future for livestock farming. 5
NEW CONCEPTS TO STAY IN COMMAND Albert Hoekerswever, Noud Janssen, Hennie de haan
Young Dutch entrepreneurs with a vision on sustainability in agriculture, have something to tell. They represent Dutch innovation power. Staying in the front row to keep The Netherlands in its position as a guiding country. Marketeers Albert Hoekerswever and Noud Janssen pave the way for them. With on their side Hennie de Haan, representative of Dutch poultry farmers. The Netherlands has something to offer. From history, the country has played a major role in poultry production, both on the egg as well as on the meat side. Technology and knowledge in this sector have always been widely appreciated around the world. “Yet, the industry for decades was focused on production and trade, rather than product value, says marketeer Albert Hoekerswever. “Now it is time to make the transition from bulk to consumer oriented production”, Noud Janssen adds. Janssen is an experienced poultry farmer and entrepreneur in the food business. The two gentleman together founded an innovation platform in agriculture, of which the “Kip van Oranje” (orange chicken) was their first initiative. Their objective was to connect the links in the food chain together, under the awareness of making a transition to a new way of food production and distribution. And all this in a circular and sustainable way, whereby farmers are taking the lead. “Dutch Poultry farmers must maintain a license to produce”, says Hennie de Haan. “The poultry sector therefore must find new ways of adding value. There is much competition from low cost countries 6
like Ukraine. Very hard for our farmers to compete with, since 16% of the cost price in The Netherlands is due to EU and national laws and regulations. That’s why we need to find a new approach. The initiatives of farmers to adapt to the changing perspective of politics and society, are very good examples of innovation. These farmers are proud of the steps they are taking and therefore are keen on sharing their journey with a wider audience. Like during the Holland Inspiration Congress at VIV Asia.”
From hi-tech to hi-touch “Being in Bangkok is an excellent opportunity to also tell the story of more sustainable and innovative poultry production to early adapters in Asia”, Noud Janssen continues. “It fully fits in the vision of VIV: being a platform from feed to food for the entire animal production business. Last year at VIV Europe in The Netherlands, we have also had the opportunity to show and tell about all new initiatives to the international audience of this tradeshow.
There, several retailers like Tesco and Ahold showed their interest. Good signals that indeed there’s a switch on its way in consumer demands. We call it: from “hi-tech ” to “hi-touch”. Also during VIV China last year we were on display with new farm-based concepts. There, we pleasantly learned that the Chinese were very keen on hearing our stories.” At VIV Asia the focus of new and promising concepts will not just be on poultry, but also on pig and dairy farming. After all, the challenge for the entire animal (protein) production sector is similar across the world. Urban areas expand rapidly and the need for safe and healthy food is growing. In this respect, there will most likely be a market for such niche products. Certainly not from one moment to another, but gradually. Albert Hoekerswever: “Consumers must
be convinced that their food originates from a secured chain. The initiatives of those Dutch farmers are clear examples of a new way of thinking. Transparency in the production chain will be an important proposition for new feed to foodconcepts.” Hennie de Haan concludes: “The animal protein industry must adapt to a changing world. But “the guide from the past wants to keep leading the way, with all risks involved with pioneering”. Dutch politics and Government stimulate this changing climate. Our aim is to keep taking the lead. Not just with technology, but also with a new vision on and knowledge of animal protein production, within circular eco-systems. Dutch entrepreneur farmers will proudly tell all about that in Bangkok.”
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FARMING FOR THE FUTURE
Hugo Bens, layer farmer
“We have a true understanding that after today there’s a tomorrow”, says Hugo Bens. “We are on a journey to the future and we wish to leave our planet to new generations in the same condition as we received it. Our farm concept is based on that understanding. Our mission is to produce table-eggs in an animal friendly, sustainable and circular way.” The grandparents of Hugo had a farm in 1950 when the world population was 2.5 billion capita, Hugo Bens says. Currently, it counts for 7.6 billion and it is expected to reach 10 billion in 2050. At the same time, the average income is on the rise, making food from animal origin accessible to many more people around the globe. “However, we cannot continue producing animal protein products, whereby feed ingredients originate from sources in former rainforest areas. The mineral supply is fully getting out of balance. Yet, the increasing world population must be fed. But in a different way, is my conviction. That’s why we have chosen for our sustainable and circular solution.”
On his farm, Hugo is keeping 110,000 Lohmann Classic White layers. These are kept in three, aviary houses with current technology. However, in order to contributing to lowering the carbon footprint, Hugo is using feed ingredients from nearby sources, such as rapeseed, sunflower seed and other grain sources from within the EU. Hugo: “Nutritionists of feed manufacturer ForFarmers determine the feed rationing for our flock and the birds are performing very well on this diet. The eggs quickly reach a weight of 53 grams. Eggs are sold through a trading company as well as directly from our farm. All of our energy supply comes from our own solar panels and even more, 140%.” Manure is dried, pelleted, packed and sold as organic fertilizer through retailers in the country. Also it is shipped to areas in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. “There it is needed to improve and create a fertile soil”, says Hugo. “This is how we work”, he concludes. “We are very open to the public and we think it’s important to explain to the consumer what we are doing to save the earth for future generations, hoping that more people will follow in their own way.”
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HEALTHY PIGS WITH LONG TAILS
Johan Schuttert, pig farmer
There’s a market for meat from pigs with long tails. That is possible, but proper herd management is essential: keeping the animals in good condition all the time and provide a good environment for them. Johan Schuttert explains. “We strongly focus on animal welfare and health”, says Johan Schuttert. “Pigs who are doing well, will automatically perform well”. Johan represents pig trading company Schuttert, a fourth generation family owned business in The Netherlands, with their own breeding and growing farms. Also they are contracting with pig growers across the country. These farms however, must comply with the demands of Schuttert, in terms of health and welfare. Such as pigs keeping their full tails. “We believe that pigs with their long, non-clipped tails are doing much better, than pigs with treated tails. It is part of our vision of providing a better life for pigs. That is not just limited to tails, but to the entire management. Of course, that demands much time and attention of the herd manager. But the reward will be healthier pigs.
Pigs with full tails, kept together in one pen, run a bigger risk on cannibalism and tail biting. We must permanently observe them and identify the perpetrator once fighting may have started. But try to avoid that. We are feeding GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice) liquid feed with a high fiber content to our pigs. That will prevent competition during feeding. Also we provide “toys” in the pens, such as cotton bags and chains to distract them. Moreover we distribute sundried alfalfa in the pens, which is also distracting them and is good for their health and behavior. These are all choices, made by conviction. Keeping pigs with long tails is only possible if these are healthy, receive adequate distraction and kept under excellent herd management conditions.
The reward will be healthier pigs Our reward is that we are selling high quality parts of the carcass of “long tail pigs” to customers in Sweden at a substantial higher price. The next step is making value out of the rest of the entire carcass and finding new customers for this unique kind of product.” 9
“THINK DIFFERENT IN BROILER GROWING” Johan Leenders, broiler farmer
Creating a circular farm system by including arable byproducts into the diet of the broiler flock. And even raising colored chickens with orange colored meat. This unique approach of an avid and visionary farmer makes the difference. “If I am taking good care of my chickens, they will be good for me”, says Johan Leenders. The 28 year old farmer runs a 50 hectare farm in Flevoland, the Netherlands. Also he raises 35,000 slow growing Hubbard broiler chickens. His aim is to integrate the arable division of the farm as much as possible into the broiler part, thus creating a sustainable circular way of farming. Apart from this current business, Johan started “Oranjehoen”, which is also based on a slow growing Hubbard strain. These multi colored birds are the basis for a concept of feeding them herbs, oregano and curcuma, as well as leftover vegetables from his own and nearby farms. “Think of harvested produce like carrots or red beet, parts of which are unable to be sold to consumers. This diet also includes wheat from our own
harvest. And the straw from the wheat crop is used as litter in the house. After finishing a broiler crop, it is used as fertilizer on our farm.” Johan: “I wanted to create a new concept in broiler chickens, something completely different to normal. I wanted to trigger people in such a way that they were tempted to buy the new Oranjehoen product. This was my true belief, as I felt the need to continuously improve the current way of raising broilers. As a bonus, the chickens tend to go orange with their distinctive orange feet. This is caused by feeding them carrots, curcuma and red beet. The Oranjehoen is a multicolored bird, with fattier breast - and thigh meat. It is healthier and sustainable for the future. The chicken looks and tastes differently.
I wanted to trigger people All the “regular” new broiler concepts are predominantly focused on animal welfare. Our aim is to focus on other aspects as well. We want to set high goals for animal welfare, ecology and economic standards. And all this in co-creation, together with the entire supply chain in this sector.”
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“FLOATING FARM NEARBY CONSUMER” Albert Boersen, future farmer
“Mass production is not truly the answer in food production”, says Albert Boersen. The young Dutch farmer (26) is managing a very new concept: a floating dairy farm. It is located in the harbor, in the heart of the city of Rotterdam. “I believe in this urban alternative.”
“The Netherlands is well-known around the world for its level of knowledge and innovation in agriculture”, Albert says. “But the consumer in general has no clue about that and where our daily food is coming from. That’s why I strongly believe in the concept of our floating farm, in which we are going to keep 40 dairy cows. Here, the consumer can see what we are doing and they can buy fresh dairy products, directly from our farm. That’s what motivates me: showing that farmers are even able to produce milk and dairy products in the heart of a city. And even in a sustainable way. We will use as many byproducts as possible for feeding the cows, like from nearby located beer manufacturing and potato processing plants.
Moreover, we will recirculate manure: retrieve the solid fiber part from the manure and use that as bedding material for the cows again. The other fractions will be processed and sold as organic manure for gardens. Thus we will create a sustainable, future based farm, which will also serve as an example for other urban areas in the world. “
Fresh dairy produced in the heart of a city The floating farm has been designed for 40 cows, but thanks to its modular concept it can easily be scaled up to a bigger size. It is currently under construction and will be in full operation in the course of this year.
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“ENERGY NEUTRAL WINDSTREEK HOUSE” Robert Nijkamp, broiler farmer
Robert Nijkamp is a broiler farmer. But not a regular one. His “Windstreek” house is of a very special and unusual design. Completely energy neutral and naturally ventilated. With the help of smart computer software of course. Meat from this house is sold under his own label. Currently, Nijkamp has growing capacity for 70,000 birds. He is keeping slow growing Hubbard broilers, according to the “one star better life label” in The Netherlands. “We strongly believe in innovation and want to respond and switch to producing in a new and sustainable way”, says Robert. “Do something that others don’t. So apart from two existing houses, we also designed and built our innovative “Windstreek” (wind direction) house for 26,000 birds. We sell the meat from this house, under our own Windstreek label. Together with vegetables it is packed in a jar. We offer various recipes, representing wind directions: Mexico, Malaysia, France, Morocco.
The Windstreek house is quite unusual. On the one lateral side its height is relatively low, whereas on the other side it is high. So the roof has an enormous slope, allowing warm air to move automatically to the top of and leave the house. We are using an infrared heated and covered brooding line over the full length of the house. There, the chicks stay underneath as if it were under the wings of mother hen. It is very energy saving, as it is only providing a warm climate for the chicks on the spot rather than the full house. Once the birds start roaming around there are straw bales inside the house, from which they can jump onto a higher positioned platform. Emission of ammonia and odour are much less than in regular systems. It is a very pleasant climate to work in. We have solar panels on our farm, so the house is fully energy neutral. One thing however, is essential for properly managing the house”, Robert concludes: “keeping track of data all the time! There’s still much to discover. That keeps challenging me!”
Do something others don’t 12
Rogier Warnawa, Bitez
BITEZ: A FAIRER FOOD-SERVICE PLATFORM In order to combat the dependency on intermediary parties and increase direct value and accountability between core businesses and consumers in the foodservice industry, we are introducing the BITEZ Ecosystem. A decentralized food delivery ecosystem that significantly reduces business commission fees and enables direct online interaction between consumers, vendors and producers. BITEZ is an ecosystem where food consumption can easily be organized by the modern-day consumer, with a high level of transparency, trusted information, and peer-assessed quality. We offer an all-in-one foodservice solution where the skewed power dynamic will be restored.
Ruth Bouwstra, DVM PhD
PROFIT FROM HEALTH: LET’S MAKE MONEY IN LIVESTOCK WITH PLEXUS! The worldwide growing demand food is an enormous challenge. With healthy livestock you can turn this challenge into more profit. Healthy animals require less antibiotics. At the same time they perform better with less effort. For your business this means increase of revenue by selling meat at a higher price. Monitoring is an essential step towards better animal health. Successful animal health monitoring requires data. With the software tool “Plexus” you can register all your animal health data in one place. The system shows trends and correlations. It provides insight in animal health status and effectiveness of vaccinations. Plexus gives you advice on how to reach better animal health and reduce the use of antibiotics. With Plexus and GD Animal Health more profit from healthy livestock is within reach.
Richard ten Cate
PROFIT FROM HEALTH: MONITOR & CONTROL YOUR ANIMALS REAL-TIME Whether your focus is on improved productivity, full traceability, enhanced animal welfare or antibiotic reduction – as an independent data platform provider we help create your highway to profitable & healthy production. How? We aggregate supply chain and real-time data into one integrated system and support multi-location management and benchmarking (including technical and financial KPI’s). We can easily connect to all mayor process equipment already present in your houses. Continuous monitoring & control with data is your early-warning system to keep track of all your processes and goals ranging from improved FCR, advancing disease detection and a better grip on productivity. 13
Erwin Sommen
HOW WE CREATE ADDED VALUE TOGETHER SOMMEN Is inventor of a smart operating platform for the real-time management of production processes in modern agricultural companies. SOMMEN systems are used for durable poultry-housing concepts, incubators and data-sharing. We develop systems based on your specific input and work together with renowned universities and strategic partners. The operating systems are web-based, allowing easy worldwide access via a smart phone or tablet, wherever you are. Our systems continually evolve and adapt in response to the changing needs. We keep your system up-to-date any time and provide worldwide remote support. That is how we create added value together!
Simon Lague
PUTTING A NUMBER ON SUSTAINABILITY Agriculture consultant in the field of precision livestock farming, working with leading agritech companies. ‘As an advocate for a future world of Digital animal farming, I continue to search new approaches, namely how to address the challenge that Information technology brings to farmers. My belief, we’ll see an evolution to a two tiered approach, where traditional farming meets centralized data analysis and farm optimization. I continue to evangelize this approach as a way, to not only drive more value from farm investment, but also resolve some of the broader challenges the supply chain faces. As we continue to intensify, we should try to do it in the most responsible way possible.
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Innovation by Co-creation Co-creation is a new form of supply-chain strategy in which a process is devised collectively by producers with their suppliers, distributors and customers to achieve an outcome of value to all the parties
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