Protein strategy launched, now the revenue model

The import of cheap soy is a major barrier to the Dutch cultivation of protein-rich crops for both animal feed and human consumption. A National Protein Strategy (NES) should change that. Sector parties are positive, but insist on the revenue model.

The Dutch Arable Farming Union (NAV) largely agrees with the National Protein Strategy, the organization reports in a statement. The cultivation of protein crops offers a good opportunity to extensify the cropping plan. This has beneficial effects for the soil and biodiversity. According to the NAV, a point of concern is a sharp decrease in the balance for the farmer. That is also the immediate reason why the cultivation is difficult to get off the ground.

Give up courage
The NES is limited to matters that can be settled nationally. Many of the opportunities mentioned stand or fall with the accompanying EU policy. A level playing field is decisive for the revenue model of arable farmers who grow protein crops. 'By accepting duty-free imports as a given, it seems that Minister Schouten has already given up the courage to change this', the NAV notes. Another possibility to create a revenue model – with the coupled support within the CAP – is being brushed aside. 'The Netherlands is simply against coupled support,' says the NAV. That needs further explanation.

The introduction of import duties is not seen as a realistic solution by the Ministry of Agriculture (LNV). It is possible, however, to tighten the requirements for imported raw materials in the field of sustainability, CO2 footprint, crop protection products and more. This strengthens the level playing field for the cultivation of protein-rich crops.

Added value through local production
The ministry also sees that the supply of meat substitutes in the supermarket is increasing. Many of the raw materials come from outside the Netherlands. An additional price can be created by emphasizing regional or regional production. By placing that added value largely with the farmer, the yield of the cultivation improves.

LNV also sees an important role for breeding. Resilient varieties with a higher protein content or improved protein composition should improve their competitive position compared to soy. By marketing other parts of a crop in addition to protein, the economic base can be strengthened. A crop such as rapeseed, for example, has a protein-rich cake as a valuable by-product in addition to oil extraction.

Also opportunities for soy
Agrifirm has had experience with the cultivation of soy in the Netherlands since 2013. "The acreage has shrunk slightly in the past year, but growers continue to show interest," says Aart den Bakker, sales manager at Agrifirm. The greatest risk is the late harvest in September or October. A dry period is necessary for a good harvest.

The cultivation risk can be reduced with earlier varieties. "Steps are being made in the breeding of early varieties, but this is progressing slowly." The hectare yields are in an upward trend, with the 25% best growers making the greatest progress. Agrifirm mainly sells soy for human consumption. The added value of Dutch soy cannot be sufficiently monetized for use in animal feed.

Stefan de Ruijter, CZAV's commercial technical advisor, has noticed an increasing interest in kidney beans in his area of ​​work. In areas where irrigation is not possible, the cultivation of onions and potatoes has become risky. Brown beans can then be a nice alternative.

Field Beans Perspective
The Louis Bolk Institute sees prospects in the cultivation of field beans for the conventional agricultural sector. Protein prices in the compound feed industry are still largely based on GMO-modified soy. There are now livestock farmers who grow field beans themselves for the extraction of protein from their own land, which is also attracting a lot of interest.

In Noord-Holland, a concept was started this autumn, led by CAV Agrotheek, in which a considerable area of ​​winter field beans is grown. The aim is to sell the protein-rich bean for human consumption. The company has now found interested food companies for this.

The field bean is on the rise in the Netherlands. Last harvest year, the acreage amounted to almost 1.100 hectares, according to data from Boerenbunder.nl† The cultivation is fairly spread out in the Netherlands. Most field beans are found in Groningen (305 hectares) and North Brabant (207 hectares). In 2017, the acreage was still 566 hectares. In that year there were still 443 hectares of soy in the Netherlands, compared to 137 hectares this year. The largest protein crop in our country is alfalfa. With a total of 9.100 hectares of protein crops, cultivation takes up only 0,5% of the Dutch agricultural area.

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