Covering the whole dairy production chain, FrieslandCampina does, and should, play a leading role in reducing greenhouse gases and increasing biodiversity. This is why the multinational is a partner in TiFN’s Regenerative farmingproject, says Director Research & Technology Reggy van der Wielen.

“TiFN’s Regenerative farming project supports our desire to meet the targets of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. FrieslandCampina aims to be a leader in sustainability and encourages its member farmers to make their businesses more sustainable. What makes this project unique is that it considers both technological opportunities and the socio-economic feasibility of more-sustainable farming approaches. Groups of farmers are actively involved in experimenting, testing and learning in a co-creative environment; crucial for success because, in the end, change must begin at the farm level.

I hope the project will deliver a range of usable insights and transition scenarios that will help our farmers towards a sustainable future. It is key that farmers may choose those models that best fit their businesses.

Passionate, open minded and curious
So far, I am impressed and enthusiastic. We are working with an experienced and committed project team, with many different disciplines and backgrounds from social scientists to farmers and mathematicians. Partners are passionate, open-minded and curious, welcoming the opinions and interests of others, and everyone involved is driven to make this project a success.

We consider Regenerative farming as a starting point, leading to add-on projects that will bring us closer to our target.”

Reggy van der Wielen: Director Research & Technology at FrieslandCampina and Chair of the Regenerative farming project council.