Oatly sees opportu­ni­ties for oats grown in Zeeland

Arable farmers in Zeeland may gain a new market opportunity. Oatly, together with ZLTO and the Province of Zeeland, is investigating whether locally grown oats can be used at its production facility in Vlissingen. The ambition is to process the first Zeeland-grown oats into products for domestic and international markets from 2027 onwards.

Growing closer to processing

During a working visit to the facility in Vlissingen, representatives of Oatly, ZLTO and the Province of Zeeland signed an agreement. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature was also involved in the discussions.

The parties discussed how oat cultivation in Zeeland can be further developed. A stronger connection between Zeeland arable farming, food processing and market channels is central to this effort.

Oatly produces hundreds of millions of litres of oat drink annually in Vlissingen. If the plans move forward, Zeeland growers could have a potential outlet for thousands of tonnes of oats each year. Products from the facility reach consumers in the Netherlands and abroad via North Sea Port.

Pilot project with Dutch oats

In the coming period, Oatly and ZLTO will investigate how a pilot project can be set up. The focus will be on securing sufficient volumes, market certainty and appropriate compensation for participating growers.

According to the parties involved, the collaboration offers opportunities for Zeeland farmers to respond to demand for plant-based food products. Oats also fit well within a future-proof farming system. The crop contributes to healthy soil structure, more efficient use of nutrients and greater crop diversity on arable farms.

Focus on by-products

Further improvements in production sustainability were also discussed during the visit. Oatly is working to maximise the use of raw materials and is examining how by-products from the production process can gain greater value within the food chain.

According to the parties involved, growing and processing raw materials closer to home can contribute to further sustainability improvements. At the same time, it can help strengthen the regional economy.

Zeeland.nl