I think it all began when I would cycle to school as a kid.
Growing up in farmland outside of Assen in the Netherlands meant each day I would cycle 10km to school and back. Whether it was chilly, foggy, raining, or windy, one thing that always put a smile on my face was when I could see the cows in the fields. It was the connection between animals and nature. I loved it.
It got me interested in farming. I even worked with the farmers in my teen years; clearing out the stables, picking berries, helping with milking the cows. I got to know the farm, the process, the people. My love for farming, and the community surrounding it, is one of the reasons why I studied farm economics – and why I joined this community.
It is a privilege to take on this role. GMP+ International is a running train, with an impressive track record, a team is very much driven, and we have a sound basis for the future. Discussing what that future looks like with our community, and how we get there, is the first thing on my agenda, and something I have been greatly looking forward to.
The dot on the horizon
I want to listen and understand more in depth what’s going on in the sector; where the safety and sustainability challenges are – in both the short and long term – and how GMP+ can play our role as a leader in the industry.
I’ve already heard, loud and clear, that the biggest challenge we face is sustainability, and I am especially interested in hearing how we can support you to meet this challenge. We have to experiment and innovate throughout the entire feed chain. There are so many opportunities open to us when we take the lead on this issue, which can support the industry to accelerate on its future license to operate. Just as safety has been a license to operate for the past 30+ years, sustainability is quickly becoming a license to operate today. Consumers are demanding it, retailers are increasingly pushing for it, also forced by legislation, and like all industries we have a responsibility to answer. In my view if the industry stays ahead of what is required, it is always prepared for future demands.
That doesn’t make the change any easier. We’re grappling with challenges on a scale no previous generation has faced, it touches all of us, and our decisions are more difficult and disruptive because of the legacy of inaction. There will be some unique ways this applies to our animal feed industry, but meeting this challenge will be easier if we do it together.
The future for farming, that dot on the horizon, is something I have worked on for much of my career. In my time at Rabobank I created a vision for agro-food, which informed the organisation’s approach to financing in the industry. I also got to explore and learn from farmers around the world – whether financing farms in Indonesia, or dairy cooperatives in Argentina, I’ve seen with my own eyes the pride and hope that farming can bring. Our community is more global today than ever before, and I hope to bring my global experience to the table.
Together
I, and the whole team at GMP+ International, are motivated to make the best future for the feed sector, both on feed safety as feed sustainability. The animal feed industry has shown that great change is possible when we unite behind a shared goal. And I look forward to doing so with you – together.
So my first priority remains. I want to hear from you, explore and understand your perspectives, and get to know you. From producers to traders, Certification Bodies to retailers, I want you to know that you can reach out and connect with me. Mail me, and we’ll take it from there.