FrieslandCampina and Agrifirm have joined forces to pilot the cultivation of oats and soy on 200 and 50 hectares, respectively. The initiative involves 30 member dairy farms of FrieslandCampina, which will use the crops as raw materials for expanding plant-based food production.

The partnership highlights growing consumer appetite for product diversity, as each company has launched plant-based versions of staple house brands.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Thomas Gribnau, marketing director at FrieslandCampina, says: “We have already launched several plant-based products for our consumers in the Netherlands. Some recent examples are Friesche Vlag Barista Haver, Chocomel and Campina plant-based. The next step is to explore whether member dairy farmers can start locally producing the raw materials for plant-based products. That’s why we are launching this trial.”

Depending on the results in 2023, Gribnau says that the companies will make a plan for 2024. “We will take the learning points from this trial and scale up wher possible.”

Experimental crops 
According to Rens Kuijten, concept manager of Protein Plants at Agrifirm, member dairy farmers’ interest in participating was “beyond expectations.”

“They are supported with advice by our advisors, for example, for the fertilization of the crops,” explains Kuijten. 

“For the cultivation work, the participants often seek cooperation with an arable farmer or contractor. The first oats are sown. From the end of April, the soy will be sown. Soy in the Netherlands is still an experimental crop, but has perspective, partly given the current market development and development of new varieties for North West Europe.”

“The aim of this pilot is to investigate the technical, economic and commercial feasibility. In addition to sufficient market potential, a good revenue model for the farmer is also an important condition,” he expresses.

This collaboration responds to growing consumer demand for product diversity, adds Gribnau. 

“People in the Netherlands like to vary, 43% consume both dairy and plant-based products.” 

“Moreover, plant-based variants fit perfectly into our product range and consumer research confirms this,” he continues. “By offering both dairy and plant-based products, we can serve consumers who want variety with our brands, so they do not have to switch to competitors.” 

Opportunity for farmers to scale-up
Gribnau believes that by launching the trial, the companies will gain experience together to gain an attractive earning model for the farmer.

“We participated in a small-scale trial of growing oats last year and have signed up again. It also fits well with our business operations,” states dairy farmer Peter Aalberts, one of the participants in the trial. 

His partner Jeanet Brandsma says: “We see it as an opportunity in the market. And in addition to the dairy, the plant-based products come from our member dairy farms.”

Participants receive a predetermined price and a purchase guarantee for the oats and soy they grow. 

Kuijten adds that the opportunity for Agrifirm and affiliated chain parties to gain more experience in growing, processing and marketing plant-based protein for the food industry.