30 August 2019
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The four Dutch green colleges are going to jointly conduct practice-based research in the next 4 years to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture and livestock farming. The first 3 projects will start in September. These studies are about reducing mortality of young animals, better visibility of sustainable production by consumers and better soil management with more carbon sequestration. The four green colleges are: Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, InHolland University of Applied Sciences and HAS University of Applied Sciences.
Good addition to each other
Minister Carola Schouten: "The green colleges of higher education can make a major contribution to the transition of the agricultural sector in the coming years. By conducting practice-based research in collaboration with existing entrepreneurs, they can ensure a turnaround for those entrepreneurs in the short term." The studies are done with various partners, including individual SME entrepreneurs, Wageningen Research and various industry organizations. Because the colleges seek cooperation during studies, they make use of each other's expertise.
Sustainable livestock farming and soil management
Several entrepreneurs, LTO Netherlands, Animal Protection and consumer organization Stichting Groene Waar start two studies together. One study focuses on preventive measures for livestock farmers to optimize animal health and reduce mortality among young animals. The second study concerns the possibility of measuring and marketing sustainability on a farm. In this way, business customers and consumers can make a conscious choice for a sustainable product.
The colleges would like entrepreneurs to choose climate-resistant cultivation, such as good water management, preservation and increase of biodiversity and carbon sequestration. By combining and sharing knowledge, it makes it easier for entrepreneurs to make a choice. Partners in this research include the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, the Arable Farming sector organisation and the Royal General Association for Flower Bulb Culture.