Column Pieter Vos: Untapped potential

Globally, there’s no shortage of fats and carbohydrates. The real bottleneck lies in proteins. That’s where scarcity is emerging. Yet, many agricultural products — including those rich in protein — are still being used in feed for pigs, cattle and poultry. These animals, after slaughter, do indeed provide valuable proteins for human consumption. But this conversion process involves significant loss and waste. So, the question is: can we do this differently?

This question, along with increasing focus on reducing loss and waste, has already led to some promising developments. Formerly worthless side streams are more and more being upgraded to co-products — generating income for the food industry rather than costs.

Growers and farmers are also seeking greater efficiency and looking for ways to reduce loss. One of the approaches is crop rotation. Green manure, for example, is an essential tool in preventing soil depletion and disease. Crops such as clover, alfalfa and grass also help fix nitrogen in the soil. A win-win, you’d think. But there’s a catch. Because although this method is useful and necessary, it doesn’t currently bring in any meaningful extra income for the farmer. And that’s not surprising. The question of how to add value to these crops remains largely uncharted territory in the research world.

There are interesting initiatives, such as those by Grassa. That gives reason for optimism. But just imagine the potential still left untapped in all those residual streams coming off the land.

Unfortunately, that’s where we hit another bottleneck. Extracting more value (read: protein!) from these flows requires more research. And more funding. But as long as these crops are seen as having little or no value as a food source, investments and research will continue to lag behind.

And it’s about more than just money. A less intensive form of agriculture is crucial for the long-term future of this sector. We need a model that causes less damage, pays more attention to protecting biodiversity and reduces loss and waste — one that makes full use of all residual flows.

So here’s my call to politicians, entrepreneurs and research institutions: invest in research. Agriculture is essential — it supplies the basic ingredients for human life. And keeps the food industry running. That too.

Pieter Vos
Consultancy & Interim Management