Cooperative FarmPlus closed its first financial year with a positive result of €2,7 million with a turnover of almost €600 million. This means that both the turnover and profit of the new cooperative, which was created from a merger between CZAV and CAV de Wieringermeer, are lower than in the previous financial year.
FarmPlus's result fell from €6,4 million to €2,7 million. Turnover fell from €654 million in 2022/23 to €591 million in 2923/24. The figures of the merged companies are processed in the annual accounts as if the merger had been applicable for the entire financial year.
The lower turnover is a result of lower prices for grains and fertilizers, the cooperative writes in the management report with the annual accounts. The weather conditions also ultimately had an effect on the result. "The turnover was further under pressure due to the poor, wet growing conditions", writes FarmPlus. In Flanders and the southwest of the Netherlands, the results were lower than expected, while the north and northeast of the Netherlands performed better. The grain yields in particular caused a significant decrease, 35% compared to the multi-year average.
Expansion and innovation
CasiBeans, a company in which FarmPlus has a 60% stake, acquired the company Termont and Thomaes in Biervliet in June 2024. In addition, the collaboration with Koopmans (Nedertarwe) in grain processing was expanded, with larger sales in both artisanal and industrial bakeries. Together with Nedato and the French fry industry, FarmPlus is also active in the field of sustainable agriculture. Under the name HarvestPride, work is being done on regenerative agriculture and sustainable chains for French fry potatoes. In addition to the expansions, FarmPlus is also closely involved in initiatives for freshwater supply in the southwest of the Netherlands. Studies are being carried out into the efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers in the context of tightening legislation and regulations.
Growth and Member Benefits
The cooperative, which is now open to all growers in open cultivation and cattle farming, saw its membership grow to over 3.000 members. This number is expected to increase further. This year, €2,1 million of the result will be paid out to members based on the purchase of products. FarmPlus also continues to invest in research and cultivation knowledge. Through, among other things, collaborations with CropSolutions (NL), Demeterra (BE) and Novafield (DE). In addition, the youth council is being revived with a call to young farmers to join and think along about the future of the sector.