Dutch grain for Dutch bread: it's possible

If all links in the chain work together, Dutch bread can come from Dutch grain in the future. To this end, the 150 participants in the Grains Theme Day on Thursday 24 March signed the 'Nijkerk intention: We opt for our own grain'. The day was a joint initiative of The Grain Traders Committee, the Dutch Bakery Centre (NBC) and BO Akkerbouw.

All links in the chain

Jan-Willem Grievink, advisor to the FoodService Institute Netherlands (FSIN), discussed the changing wishes of consumers. Bauke Wierda of Royal Koopmans explained the opportunities and challenges that manufacturers see in using homegrown grain for Dutch bread. The participants in the Grains Theme Day indicated that they want to work together with all links in the chain - seed producers, growers, collectors, traders, millers, bakers and supermarkets - to make 'Dutch grain for Dutch bread' possible.

Intention of Nijkerk

The directors of The Grain Traders Committee, the NBC and BO Akkerbouw jointly unfolded a plan of action. André Hoogendijk of BO Akkerbouw: "All links in the chain want to take this step. For each link a revenue model is needed. Caroline Emmen, director of The Committee, addressed the role of trade: "The Netherlands is an important base for the global grain trade. We also attach importance to the connection with Dutch consumers." Mirjam Kortekaas, director of the NBC emphasised the role of bakers: "They can add value to Dutch wheat based on their craftsmanship." Together, they signed the 'Intent of Nijkerk: We opt for our own grain'. This marked the start of a thinking tank with representatives from the entire chain, from breeding to retail, that will develop the short and longer term approach.

Bo-akkerbouw.nl