FrieslandCampina launches pilot to accelerate regenerative agriculture in dairy farming

NETHERLANDS – FrieslandCampina has initiated a pilot project to promote regenerative agriculture, aiming to create a sustainable business model for its member dairy farmers.

According to the company’s sustainability manager, Guus van Laarhoven, the company is committed to this initiative because of its potential to benefit animal health, climate, soil, water, and nature.

He noted that regenerative agriculture in dairy farming seeks to achieve a natural balance between cows and soil, combining ancient knowledge with modern techniques.

“This approach supports healthy soil, clean water, and diverse ecosystems, strengthening the balance between the planet’s carrying capacity and food production.”

The pilot involves a diverse group of 20-member dairy farmers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

These farmers will collaborate over the coming years to develop knowledge and gain insights into the practical and financial feasibility of regenerative agricultural practices.

The diversity within the study group is crucial for gathering various insights, as each farm’s path to regenerative agriculture differs.

Giel and Wessel Willig, the study group’s dairy farmers from Blankenham and participants highlighted their practical steps towards regenerative farming.

“They use less artificial fertiliser and sow clover, which absorbs nitrogen from the air and fixes it in the soil. The study group provides an opportunity to exchange practical experiences and enhance sustainability.”

The kick-off of the study group took place on May 28 2024, at FrieslandCampina dairy farmer Robert Nijkamp’s farm in Raalte.

Nijkamp’s farm, one of the four demo companies within the pilot, actively integrates climate and nature measures, achieving notable results.

These demo companies, which follow organic, nature-inclusive, circular, and efficiency business philosophies, serve as practical examples and sources of inspiration within the study group.

Bert Faber, a dairy farmer from Achlum and participant in the study group, praised the diversity of the cooperative reflected in the various types of participating companies. He expressed hope that the collective effort would make regenerative agriculture more tangible.

Since 2018, FrieslandCampina has been measuring, monitoring, and rewarding animal health, climate, and biodiversity results among its nearly 10,000 member dairy farms.

Guus van Laarhoven highlighted the importance of setting high standards for regenerative agriculture, ensuring that results in climate, soil, water, and biodiversity are measurable and reliable.

The study group will guide dairy farmers through three phases towards a regenerative agriculture-focused business.

First, a baseline measurement, the RegAg Ready score, will determine the farm’s current ecological impact. Next, a business development plan will outline future actions and monitoring methods.

Finally, farmers will implement initial measures to gain practical experience and later expand these practices through necessary investments.

Guus stressed that the final phase requires significant decisions with long-term impacts on farmers’ businesses.

FrieslandCampina aims to support farmers by collaborating with various parties, such as the ReGeNL consortium, to share the risks and costs of this transition.