Interview Roy Nilesen
'Setting up a chain integration together with Gosschalk'
Slaughterhouse Gosschalk from Epe in Gelderland is joining forces with Farmers Defense Force (FDF). The slaughterhouse commits itself to the quality mark FarmerFriendly which focuses on the earning model of the pig farmers. We spoke with co-initiator Roy Nillesen of FDF.
What exactly are you planning?
"Together with Gosschalk, we intend to set up the first full chain integration with an open and transparent revenue model for pig farmers. That is currently lacking. The idea is to let propagators also benefit. We will announce exactly how much later. The meat will be sold in supermarkets with the quality mark FarmerFriendly† This gives the consumer a recognition point that this meat is based on a fair revenue model."
How is the additional price structured?
"In the first instance, this will be an extra surcharge on the weekly quotation for the participating pig farmers in the chain, but we are striving for a cost-effective model. Just as is already the case with certain concepts in the poultry sector."
In what size and numbers should we think?
"I can't say that yet. More than 600 pig farmers are affiliated with Farmers Defense Force and I can tell you: there is a lot of interest. The telephone is ringing. We will soon hold a meeting where the plans will be further revealed. Gosschalk will be there. also give a presentation."
There are a handful of large slaughterhouses in the Netherlands. Why Gosschalk?
"In our view, Gosschalk is a solid family business with the same blood type as us. It is also a modern company that is at the forefront of animal welfare. For example, the pigs are unloaded under camera surveillance. It feels good to work with them."
Is it true that the pig trade has no role in this model?
"Yes and no. The pig trade does not participate in the chain. The pigs and piglets do have to be transported, however. I expect the pig trade to play a more service-oriented role in our integration."
You say the enthusiasm is great. Is the concept large enough to accommodate the supply of 600 pig farmers?
"We start with the idea of scaling up. The growth potential is there. In theory, about 50.000 pigs can be slaughtered at Gosschalk every week, when working with double shifts. We start smaller, but to give an idea of the growth potential."
Wouter Job
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