Interview Ruud Tijssens
'Circular agriculture becomes a global theme in animal feed'
Ruud Tijssens, director of public & cooperative affairs at Agrifirm, has been appointed as chairman of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) as of 2022. This interest group deals with issues that arise in the animal feed sector on a global scale.
IFIF is examining, among other things, legislation on antibiotics. But circular agriculture, including the processing of residual flows in animal feed, has recently become a theme. "The Netherlands and France are leading the way in this, but other countries are also going to embrace this theme."
Congratulations on your appointment, can you explain what exactly IFIF is?
"Thank you! The IFIF is a global organization that deals with all issues related to what enters the mouth of the beast. IFIF is based on 2 big legs. Feed federations are members from all continents. From Europe that is FEFAC, where Nevedi is a member from the Netherlands. In addition, large groups involved in the production of animal feed are members, such as DSM, BASF and Cargill. Agrifirm is also a member, and in that capacity I was asked to be chairman. 5 years on the board."
Which themes is IFIF concerned with?
"That is very broad. We are concerned with feed safety and the legislation that goes with it. The differences per country are very large. These are long-running processes that will only become legislation in the Netherlands in 10 years, for example, but a basis will become international We have to be part of that. IFIF also works together with the World Food Organization (FAO). How can we shape the feed industry in developing countries and what preconditions belong here? We think about this together. For example, we do projects with feed regulators, because a a properly functioning animal feed industry only functions with proper supervision. A third pillar that has become increasingly important in recent years is sustainability. For example, what is the CO2 footprint of maize from Brazil and how can you claim this as a feed producer in your end product? Many aspects of sustainability must be still be standardized to make it measurable."
In the Netherlands, circular agriculture, including the processing of residual flows in animal feed, is a theme. Is this already happening internationally?
"Circular feed is also on the agenda within the IFIF. The Netherlands and France are leading the way in this, but other countries are also going to embrace this theme. We must now form a vision and definitions about this, as was the case with 7 to 5 years ago. reducing CO2 emissions has happened."
What challenges does the animal feed sector face globally?
"It cannot be said unambiguously, there are actually 3 worlds. In the Western world, the consumption of animal proteins is under pressure and there is talk of reducing the livestock population. In other parts of the world, meat consumption is increasing as a result of increasing prosperity. And then there are also developing countries where many people still provide themselves with dairy and meat, and are highly dependent on it. The so-called 'livelihood'. I understand that worldwide the average size of a cattle farm is 2,7 cows We cannot imagine that, but it is good to realize that livestock farming in many countries will continue to develop strongly.The aim of the IFIF is to be actively involved in these 3 worlds and to work together speak with one voice."
Wouter Job
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