You have to see opportunities in change

It has to be different. That is the tenor expressed by Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) in her realization plan for circular agriculture, which was presented on 17 June. It's quite a bit. Changes often bring uncertainties and risks and people are generally a bit shy about that. 

If you listen to the political majority, views and opinions in society, you already know that there is little choice. How bad is it really? Entrepreneurs generally see good opportunities in changes, but you must have the time and money to give substance to these opportunities. Doing things differently opens doors and often leads to new product-market combinations.

However, if you keep doing the same thing over and over, you will eventually find yourself in front of a closed door. Prioritizing fertilizers over animal manure or placing traditional raw materials for animal feed over the available alternatives opens up a dead end. 

Future vision
Nevedic is currently working on its vision for the future, which will be presented later this year. In this we calculate with the opportunities offered by circular agriculture. Schouten is going to broaden the legislation and regulations for the new raw materials and also wants to free up a budget for the optimization of feed-manure cycles. We therefore assume that the minister will focus on expanding animal feed innovations and research.

If modern breeding techniques are given a more legal basis within Europe and if the possibilities for using products as feed raw materials are expanded, then that is good news. Of course, while maintaining an eye for animal feed safety, animal health, animal welfare and the nutritional value of animal feeds.

Balance
It is also clear that there must be a balance between the soil, the plant, humans and animals. Nevedi believes it is important that the initiatives supported by the ministry should be placed in a context that integrally weighs, measures and safeguards the effects of these initiatives. The RecycleKey is a tool that can be used for that purpose.

Nevedi also finds it appropriate and courageous that Minister Schouten should accompany her efforts with an announcement to consumers. According to the minister, food production is changing and with it the price. It won't work otherwise.

Henk Flipsen

Henk Flipsen has been the director and figurehead of Nevedi since 2007. He grew up on his parents' closed pig farm and also fulfills several managerial positions in the Agro & Food chains. † Photo: Nevedic

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