FrieslandCampina announced in mid-December that it had reached an agreement with the province of North Brabant and the environmental organization MOB regarding accelerated ammonia reduction at its Veghel plant. This move caused a stir, including among FrieslandCampina members, many of whom have little sympathy for MOB. Nevertheless, CEO Jan Derck van Karnebeek and Chairman Sybren Attema believe the agreement is defensible.
During a media briefing today in Amersfoort, they explained the situation. According to Van Karnebeek, this isn't the start of a collaboration. They won't be visiting the factories together and asking MOB if things are okay. "This was a specific situation, but also an opportunity. We knew we'd have to comply with stricter ammonia emission standards eventually, and with the agreement, we've made arrangements that satisfy all parties."
Don't force it
FrieslandCampina Veghel will reduce the 22,8 tons of ammonia emissions it reported in Veghel in 2024 to a maximum of 5 tons in 2028, starting in June 2026. This also resolves a lawsuit filed by MOB in 2022. "Doing business is a socially dynamic process, but we don't let ourselves be forced into choices," says Van Karnebeek. FrieslandCampina also benefits from peace and clarity surrounding the Veghel site. "It's a strategic location for us. And we also want to demonstrate that we take sustainability seriously."
Social debate
Attema adds: "Not only the company has an interest in reaching an agreement, but also the cooperative. We're in contact with everyone, by the way. Just because we've reached an agreement with MOB doesn't mean we're negotiating with each other. If there are any issues, we'll consider them on a case-by-case basis." There will also be members who believe MOB is unreliable and will increasingly demand more. Attema is aware of this, but believes a sound agreement has been reached. "We respect each other's positions and interests. Moreover, we were already in discussions with the province on this matter. We also don't want to exclude ourselves from the public debate."