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IN COOPERATION WITHSUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS
link to success
2014 CorPorATE SUSTAINABILITY rEPorT
3Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 2
Facts and Figures
> Cooperative with about 17,000 members.
> Executive Board: 3 members.
> Managed by a Supervisory Board: 8 members.
> Net revenue € 2,359 million.
> Operating result (exclusive of exceptional charges) € 26.9 million.
> Net profit € 3.1 million.
> Number of employees: 3,328
> Number of FTEs: 2,999
Sales volume (x 1.000 tonnes) 2014
Compound feeds 4,248
Co-products 2,371
Premixes & concentrates 461
Cereals, potatoes, onions and carrots 612
Fertilisers 430
Organic fertilisers 537
Crop protection products (€ millions) 131.7
2014 Corporate Sustainability Report
The Corporate Sustainability Report is published annually and concerns all companies within
the Agrifirm Group, unless indicated otherwise for specific components. The previous report
was published in May 2014.
The guideline used in preparing the report is the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the
international guideline for sustainability reporting. This report was prepared in accordance
with the GRI G4 Guideline. The GRI Table with references to all reported information is available
on our website www.agrifirm.com under the header ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’.
For additional information about Agrifirm’s sustainability policy, please contact Ruud Tijssens,
Director Corporate Affairs, Strategic R&D and CSR, [email protected], or at +31 (0)88 488 29 00.
Reading referenceIn this Corporate Sustainability Report, Agrifirm reports on its sustainability policy and the
accomplishments realised in this domain in 2014.
Section 1 sets out Agrifirm’s mission, business principles and ambitions. It provides an overview
of the main events within Agrifirm Group in 2014.
Section 2 describes the stricter sustainability policy, including an explanation of the six pillars
and consultation of stakeholders relating to the policy.
Sections 3 through 8 focus on the objectives and key performance on the six sustainability
policy pillars. For each pillar, a responsible Agrifirm officer or external partner explains about an
example with high sustainability impact.
The Appendices list Agrifirm’s KPIs relating to the organisation, the environment, employee
benefits and human rights. We also added a separate Appendix relating to sustainability labels
with more background information about the calculation of the labels.
52014 Corporate Sustainability Report 4 Agrifirm
PrEfACE
Over one hundred trucks drove through the Netherlands in 2014
printed with pictures of, among others, a farm-fresh egg, cheerful
flowers, healthy fruit and juicy pork. All products and dishes in which
our livestock farmers and growers play a major role. You must have
encountered a few of these on your way.
Agrifirm used the campaign ‘In Cooperation With’ to show our pride
in the livestock farmers and growers who create the most wonderful
quality products on a daily basis. Products enjoyed by millions of
people both in the Netherlands and abroad on a daily basis. The
Dutch agriculture and horticulture is an industry to be proud of.
It is also a dynamic sector that is sometimes the subject of social
debate, for example relating to animal welfare, origin of raw materials,
environmental footprint or the application of crop protection agents.
Themes that Agrifirm is committed to, also in the next few years.
Agrifirm is dedicated to future-proof and profitable agriculture and
horticulture, able to provide the growing world population with
sufficient, healthy food in a sustainable manner. We are actively
working on that with our members and customers. We want to
increase profits on the farm yard with lower input. In the past few
years, we introduced a range of new concepts in this context: precision
fertilisation in arable farming, Line-up in poultry farming, Roughage
Total in cattle farming and Robustior in pig farms. In the past few
years, we have gained more clarity about exactly where Agrifirm can
make the difference in the chain. We used this in 2014 to increase the
level of our sustainability policy with six pillars and specific targets.
The six pillars symbolise all chain links where we can be impactful. We
aim to realise both sustainability impact in the chain and on the farm
yard. Naturally, we are equally sharp about opportunities in our own
organisation.
In 2014, Agrifirm has also refocused its business strategy on four
core activities: compound feed, arable farming and horticulture, co-
products and specialties. The recalibration of the strategy required
multiple adjustments to be made to the Agrifirm organisation,
enabling us to grow in our core activities from 2015 onwards.
However, the adjustments resulted in a one-off € 3.1 million decrease
in the net profit.
On balance, the number of members decreased by 500 in 2014, down
to 17,000. Agrifirm is frequently updating its member and customer
base. Non-active members are approached and requested to
terminate membership. This involved approximately 1,400 members
in 2014. We recruit new members among existing customers of
Agrifirm Plant and Agrifirm Feed who are not yet a member. In 2014,
we gained 900 new members by making such customers aware of the
benefits of membership.
We are proud of our members and customers. After all, it was a
challenging year for the Dutch agricultural sector, with problems
such as bird flu and Russia’s boycott of European food and dairy
products. The key task of our organisation is unchanged: to
create sustainable value for our members. I am convinced that
we reinforce our market position by giving sustainability a central
place in our business. For example by offering sustainable products
and concepts for our customers; having expert and motivated
employees; and buying sustainable raw materials. In 2014, we were
the most favourite employer of the agricultural sector and we would
like to keep it that way.
Our sustainability policy was one factor allowing our members and
customers, and Agrifirm, to make an impact on the farm yard. Also
in 2015, the six pillars of our higher-level CSR policy are a good basis
for establishing a connection between Agrifirm with the dynamic,
quickly changing environment in which we and our customers
are operating. This is why we continue to focus on developing
sustainable products and creating profit for our members. That
is how Agrifirm contributes to a future-proof, sustainable and
profitable agricultural sector.
Ton Loman
Chairman of the Executive Board Agrifirm Group
7Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 6
TABLE of CoNTENTS
Preface 4
Highlights 6
Table of contents 7
1. Agrifirm a link to success 8
2. Six pillars for more impact 13
3. Working on sustainable raw materials 19
4. Efficient production and logistics 22
5. Efficient use of raw materials 26
6. Healty plants, soil and animals for healty people 32
7. Contributing to a sustainable consumer supply 36
8. The Basis for Success 38
Colophon 42
Appendix 44
HIgHLIgHTS
Sustainable raw materialsSustainable production starts with the production and
procurement of sustainable raw materials. Agrifirm and
Wageningen UR are actively investing in Dutch soy crops.
In 2014 some 35 farmers grew a total of 110 hectares of
Dutch-grown soy. In order to secure sustainable soy crop
cultivation, Agrifirm is cooperating with the Dutch and European animal
feed industry to ensure 100 percent responsible soy.
“Agrifirm is really sticking out its neck by being one of the few
parties investing in research into European soy crops.”
Chris de Visser, business developer Wageningen UR
Sustainable consumer rangeAgrifirm is collaborating with chain partners to
develop and market sustainable concepts. In the
project ‘Brewing Barley from Sustainable Cultivation in
the Netherlands’, Agrifirm Plant, Heineken Netherlands
and Holland Malt collaborate in developing a
sustainable brewing barley.
“This project is a fine example of successful chain development
that also supports the transition towards sustainable
agriculture.”
Jan Kempers, manager Sustainable Development, Heineken Nederland BV
Efficient use of raw materialsAgrifirm invests in product innovations that help our
members and customers to achieve higher production
with less input. This benefits the environment and the
entrepreneur’s wallet.
“’Smart feeding’ or ‘precision feeding’ means that each animal
receives optimal feed rations, saving on raw materials.’
Albert van den Belt, director Agrifirm Innovation Centre
Healthy plants, soil and animals for healthy peopleAgrifirm develops products and services that reinforce
the natural resistance of plants, animals and soil.
“Together with our partner BioMygreen, we marketed Mycorrhiza
moulds in 2014 for a number of new crops, such as onions, flower
bulbs and tree crops, and also for public landscaping.”
Aaldrik Venhuizen, manager Research & Development Agrifirm Plant
Our employees: the foundation for successAgrifirm creates a stimulating environment for its
employees and invests in sound employee benefits,
training opportunities and career development. In
2014, Agrifirm was the most favourite employer in the
agricultural sector according to students.
“I think it is important that our staff can say: ‘I can make a
national or an international career at Agrifirm within its group
of companies’.”
Emiel Berg, director HR Agrifirm
Efficient production and logisticsAgrifirm aims for structural decrease of energy use
based on efficient processing of raw materials and
smart logistics. With Business Excellence projects,
Agrifirm encourages improvement of the energy
efficiency of product locations.
“In 2014, our product efficiency improved by eight percent and our
energy efficiency by twelve percent.”
Alexander Drees, managing director Agrifirm Magyarország
Sustainable Raw Materials
Efficient Use of Raw Materials
Efficient Production
and Logistics
Healthy Plants, Soil and Animals
for Healthy People
Sustainable Consumer
Range
Our Employees: the Foundation
for Success
9Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 8
1. AgrIfIrm, A LINk To SUCCESS
Koninklijke Coöperatie Agrifirm U.A. is a market leader in the Netherlands and is globally engaged in the
production and supply of products and services for feeding animals and cultivating crops. Its cooperative
origin has been translated into benefits for its members and customers since 1892. On the basis of the
breadth of its international activities, sector knowledge and innovative strength, Agrifirm develops innovative
products and services that yield benefits at the farm level to livestock farmers and growers alike.
Working TogetherAgricultural farmers are of vital importance to society and of crucial
importance to the world food supply. Enterprising livestock farmers
and growers are aware of this and have been anticipating social
trends for years. Farmers and market gardeners established the
first cooperatives well before 1900. Together they acquired greater
strength, for example in the purchase and sale of products. The role
of the cooperatives has grown along with the trends in the market
and in society. The interests of Agrifirm’s members are leading in this
respect.
Mission Agrifirm is an agricultural cooperative that operates globally, with
members in the Netherlands only, and with the following mission:
“Generating sustainable value for its members.”
Agrifirm accomplishes this by:
> Supporting customers by providing sustainable and profitable
products and concepts that enable livestock farmers and growers
to achieve the best possible results.
> Creating growth in value for the company that is partially passed
on to the cooperative’s members through means of a cooperative
profit-sharing scheme (Members Dividend and Members
Discount).
The Agrifirm Group creates value for members, customers, companies
and employees through means of various subsidiaries and
participating interests in the Netherlands and abroad. This creates an
opportunity for distributing profits to members.
Operating Principles Agrifirm is first and foremost a committed specialist for livestock
farmers and growers, which supports its customers with innovative
products, concepts and services, thus enabling them to achieve the
best possible results. To achieve this, Agrifirm acts in accordance with
AmbitionAgrifirm wants to further strengthen its leadership position on the
Dutch market in terms of sales and perception by being a front runner
in terms of knowledge and innovation, and through customer-
oriented consulting services. The enterprise wants to expand its
market share within the core area of the Netherlands, as well as
beyond, through organic growth and profitable acquisitions. To realise
this ambition, Agrifirm works with well-trained employees who are
sincerely interested in their customers.
Agrifirm operates in four core areas: compound feed, arable farming
and horticulture, co-products and specialties. A professional
knowledge & innovation cluster serves as the engine for knowledge
development and product innovation. In addition, Agrifirm is active
with a number of service companies and participating interests.
Passion for our profession
If there is one aspect that connects Agrifirm with customers, it would be the passion we have
for our profession. Furthermore, Agrifirm is proud of the companies in the agricultural sectors.
Agrifirm’s employees stand out on the basis of their professional knowledge and their high
level of commitment to livestock farming and cultivation tradesmanship, and enjoy going the
extra mile in order to achieve the best possible service and results for their customers.
Always staying on top of things
Successful enterprise requires continuous alertness for new developments, opportunities,
quality, revenues and costs. This applies to livestock farmers and growers, and likewise to
Agrifirm. This is why the principle, always staying on top of things, applies.
Working towards tomorrow
Agricultural entrepreneurs not only consider the present, but, even more important, the future
as well, often across many generations. This requires vision, knowledge and expertise Agrifirm
also looks ahead and, together with customers and chain partners, works on innovative and
sustainable solutions that enable customers to operate successfully ‘tomorrow’ as well.
Always staying
on top of things
Working towards
tomorrow
Passion for our
profession
three leading operating principles. These principles guide Agrifirm
in everything it does and ensure that there is an optimal connection
with the requirements and needs of livestock farmers and growers.
11Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 10
Organisational chart
Districts
Council ofmembersYouth Council
Cooperative boardRoyal Cooperative
Agrifirm U.A.=
=
Supervisory boardAgrifirm Group BV
Shareholdersmeeting Agrifirm
Group BV
Knowledge & Innovation ClusterAIC, NutriControl, Agrifirm Exlan, Schothorst*
Agrifirm Group BV
AgricultureCompound Feed Co-products Specialities
Agrifirm Feed The Netherlands
BV Oldambt
Agrifirm Belgium
Agrifirm Feed Deutschland
Agrifirm Magyarország
Agrifirm Polska
Sto Posto*
*minority interest
Agrifirm Plant The Netherlands
Agrifirm PlantDeutschland
Agrifirm Co-products
(Bonda)
Nuscience Group
Agrimec (51%)
Agrifirm Winkel BV
Agri Retail
Plukon
Services Participations
=
=
Members of Royal Cooperative Agrifirm U.A.
Royal Agrifirm Group
Agrifirm comprises six divisions: > Compound Feed Division: production and sale of animal feeds
and artificially dried fodder legumes and straw products;
consultancy and research.
> Arable Farming and Horticulture Division: production and sale
of sowing seeds, fertilisers, crop protection products; sale of
cereals, onions and carrots; consultancy and research.
> Co-products Division: processing of high-quality by-products
from the food industry into (raw materials for) animal feeds.
> Specialties Division: production of premixes, mineral mixes, pro
tein-rich raw materials and nutritional concepts for animal feed.
> Service Companies Division: agricultural mechanisation; sale of
agricultural consumer products.
> Participating Interests Division: minority interests in Plukon.
Knowledge & Innovation ClusterThe Agrifirm Exlan consulting firm, together with the Agrifirm
Innovation Centre and the NutriControl laboratory, forms part of the
newly formed knowledge and innovation cluster. A combination that
guarantees research and development of innovative products and
concepts offering advantages to livestock farmers and growers.
Members and Young People’s Days In 2014 Agrifirm once again organised the Agrifirm Members’ Days,
as members are the most important stakeholders of our Cooperative.
Spread over 10 locations, Agrifirm spoke with 1,600 members about
the 2013 results and 2014 strategy. Visitors were offered workshops
on a broad range of subjects, including social media, cattle feed and
precision growing methods.
Agrifirm organised the fifth consecutive Young People’s Day for young
agricultural farmers on 8 January 2014. Almost 550 young entrepreneurs
visited the Agrifirm Young People’s Day with the theme ‘Business
Succession’. Speakers and visitors discussed the importance of a clear
strategy and adequate communication when transferring a company.
Partnerships and AcquisitionsAgrifirm’s business strategy was further specified in concrete detail
during 2014. This has resulted in a re-stated vision entitled: ‘Focus
and Acceleration’. The core of the strategy is a further focus on core
activities and an acceleration of various improvement processes.
In 2014, this resulted, among other things, in the sale of the
minority share in Holland Malt, a malting plant, to Bavaria, and the
acquisition of all shares in AgriRetail, which is now a full subsidiary
of Agrifirm.
Sector CouncilsThe Sector Councils for Dairy Farming, Pig Farming, Poultry Farming,
Broiler Farming and Arable Farming have an advisory role to the
executive boards of the Agrifirm Plant and Agrifirm Feed companies. In
2014, each Sector Council met a minimum of two times. Agrifirm Feed
also has a biology sounding board.
Campaign ‘In cooperation with’The Dutch livestock farming, arable farming and horticulture sectors
are globally leading in terms of productivity, efficiency and certainly
also sustainability. Agrifirm feels that farmers and growers should be
proud on the wonderful products they make. To share these with a
broad audience, we developed the campaign ‘In cooperation with’ in
2014. Glossy pictures of eight different finished products of Agrifirm’s
members and customers were in the spotlight of this campaign,
driving through the Netherlands on the full length of 100 bulk trucks.
On the internet, the story behind these products came to life in eight
transparent videos. Also, features and advertisements were printed in
journals such as Nieuwe Oogst, the Agri-Food special of De Telegraaf and
some regional dailies. Both customers and stakeholders responded very
well to the campaign. This way, Agrifirm contributes to a positive image
of the agricultural sector and a better connection between farmers,
growers and the consumer. In 2015, the campaign will be continued
with, among other things, more trailers depicting the products of our
members and customers.
Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 12
Sustainability Labels for Feed Concepts and ProductsIn 2014, Agrifirm was the first animal feed company to develop
sustainability labels for feed concepts and products. The sustainability
labels offer both members and customers specific information on
sustainability performance of our feed concepts and products for cattle,
poultry and pigs. This gives our members and customers insight into
the impact they can realise with the feed concept or product, and
assists them in producing feed in a profitable and sustainable way.
Five labels
Agrifirm Feed NL introduces five sustainability themes, labelling a
number of existing and new products and concepts: mineral efficiency,
animal health, climate, recycling and more sustainable raw materials.
From research conducted by HAS University of Applied Sciences in Den
Bosch and from sector interaction, it is clear that livestock farmers would
like to receive more information about these themes. Furthermore, the
selected themes are consistent with Agrifirm’s sustainability strategy.
The five sustainability themes each have their own icon. A feed concept
or product can have one or more sustainability labels.
Together with Blonk Consultants, an environmental consultancy
firm, Agrifirm developed a method for calculating the underlying
sustainability indicators for the sustainability labels in 2014 (see
Appendix 3). Also, the sustainability labels for a number of existing feed
concepts and products were calculated. In 2015, Agrifirm calculates the
sustainability performance for more new and existing products and
feed concepts.
The world population is forecast to grow to 9 billion people by 2050.
The increasing prosperity levels come with more food consumption,
raising the pressure on limited raw materials, water and nature.
Agriculture is faced with the challenge of producing food in an
efficient and sustainable way.
Re-stated Sustainability PolicyThis challenge is the core of Agrifirm’s policy on corporate social
responsibility. As a supplier to the agricultural sector, Agrifirm is at
the cradle of efficient and sustainable food production. In order to
continue successful operations and to realise even more impact,
Agrifirm re-stated its sustainability policy in 2014 based on six pillars
and specific objectives. The six pillars reflect the places in the chain
where Agrifirm can make an impact: from growing raw materials to
food on your plate. With this re-stated focus, Agrifirm contributes
to innovations, both in the chain and on the farm yard. This way,
Agrifirm develops commercial opportunities for new products and
services that contribute to a sustainable food supply. The re-stated
sustainability policy has become effective in 2015.
2. SIx PILLArS for morE ImPACT
Agrifirm’s corporate social responsibility policy derives from its ‘Working towards Tomorrow’ operating
principle. The core of our approach is to connect Agrifirm with the environment in which the company
and our customers operate. Six pillars form the foundation for sustainability in Agrifirm’s daily business.
13
Working on Sustainable Raw Materials By 2020, all major commodities, including wheat, corn and soy, are part
of Agrifirm’s sustainable buying policy. The specific risks of producing
all these commodities are charted for a certain region with the actions
Agrifirm is taking in that context. We also make organic fertilisers and
compost widely available to growers.
Agrifirm processes residual flows from
foodstuffs and bio-based industries into
high-end animal feeds. Together with
suppliers, Agrifirm is working on sustainable
and responsible cultivation and use of raw
materials.
Efficient Production and Logistics Agrifirm aims for a structural decrease in energy consumption By 2025,
Agrifirm has improved its energy efficiency by 15 percent compared
to 2015. We aim to also improve energy efficiency by 15 percent in
all production sites. Furthermore, we make binding agreements with
our carriers on reducing energy consumption and emissions due to
transport.
Agrifirm aims for a structural reduction of
energy consumption based on efficient
processing of raw materials and smart
logistics.
Goals on Six Pillars
For each of the six pillars of the sustainability policy, Agrifirm defined strategic goals. Realising these goals is an integral part of the
company’s commercial and development focus.
Sustainable Raw Materials
Efficient Production
and Logistics
15Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 14
Efficient Use of Raw Materials By 2025, Agrifirm will have developed sustainable agricultural practices.
These assist our members and customers in reducing the environmental
footprint of animal and arable production by 15 percent compared to
2015.
Agrifirm is investing in product innovations
to help our members realise higher
production based on lower input.
Healthy Plants, Soil and Animals for Healthy PeopleBy 2025, Agrifirm has developed sustainable agricultural practices,
ensuring a central role for natural crop protection, including the use of
20 percent green crop protection agents. Reinforcing natural resistance
of animals will reduce the use of veterinary drugs by our members and
customers by 20 to 30 percent compared to 2015.
Agrifirm develops products and services
improving the natural resistance of plants,
soil and animals.
Contributing to a Sustainable Consumer Supply By 2025, Agrifirm is the main partner for chain parties in developing and
testing new chain concepts.
Agrifirm cooperates with chain partners
to develop and market sustainable
concepts for consumers.
Our Employees: the Foundation for SuccessBy 2020, Agrifirm is the most favourite employer of the agricultural sector. Agrifirm creates a stimulating environment for
its employees and invests in excellent employee
benefits and training and career opportunities.
Sustainable Innovations
“We are operating in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. Developing sustainable and
innovative solutions will ensure growth and continuity in both farms and Agrifirm. We operate in a
highly competitive market. This is why sustainable solutions must be based on long-term financial
profitability. In the past few years, we have zoomed in on where Agrifirm can make the difference in
the chain. We reflected that in the six pillars of our sustainability policy.”
In this report we highlight our vision, objectives and accomplishments in 2014
for each pillar in the following sections.
Realistic objectives“In the past five years, we set out Agrifirm’s sustainability performance.
This helped us determine the strategic goals, which are also realistic.
For example, we now know that the CO2 emissions of a new feed
concept are 2 to 3 percent lower on average, up to 4 to 5 percent
in some concepts. The numbers also give us an insight in what we
can influence and measure, the annual variations and the significant
indicators. The average CO2 emission of raw materials proved
unreliable as a performance indicator. The price is the main factor
in the origin of the raw materials. This results in substantial annual
variations in CO2 emissions. This is why we are currently developing a
rolling average indicator. This allows for calculating the average feed
composition over the past five years, which also gives the average
origin of the feed. Determining this rolling average on an annual basis
cushions the variation, thus revealing the structural improvements in
the CO2 emissions more clearly.
Integral partThis learning process was vital to Agrifirm employees in realising that
a good result on the farm yard can coincide with a positive impact on
sustainability. I am proud to see that sustainability is now an integral
part of assessing innovations. I have seen a true transformation
compared to a few years ago, both within Agrifirm and in the
agricultural sector. We have already achieved serious results in 2014
in terms of developing sustainability labels and buying responsible
soy. Our stakeholders are positive about Agrifirm’s structural focus on
sustainability. In the middle of the complex playing field of agricultural
commodities, we are working on sustainability. In some instances, we
really have had to invent the wheel. As a result, we should not be
afraid to conclude at times that we should change direction. As long
as we keep our goal in sight: increasing profits on the farm yard with
lower input.
OperationalisationHaving determined the strategic goals, we are working on translating
these into operational objectives based on clear performance
indicators. For example, we are going to further specify the EEI, the
Energy Efficiency Index for our plants in the next few years. We are
convinced that a fully specified sustainability policy contributes to
future-proof and profitable agriculture and horticulture sectors. This
enables us to continue our competitive operations and to create
sustainable value for our members.”
Ruud Tijssens
Director Corporate Affairs, R&D and CSR
Efficient Use of Raw Materials
Healthy Plants, Soil and Animals
for Healthy People
Sustainable Consumer
Range
Our Employees: the Foundation
for Success
17Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 16
Consultation and Collaboration with StakeholdersSustainable food supply is a theme that touches upon many parties and
is frequently in the limelight of social debate. Agrifirm is in the middle
of this dynamic field, seeking to connect with all parties. In principle,
Agrifirm does not exclude any parties, ensuring optimal operations
and contributing to future-proof and sustainable agriculture and
horticulture. Agrifirm is in touch with and collaborates with suppliers,
independent research institutions, scientists, environmental and
development organisations, chain parties and umbrella organisations
such as Netherlands Feed Industry Association (Nevedi), FEFAC (the
Europe Federation of Compound Feed Manufacturers), Plantum
(sector board for companies in the plant-based starting materials
sector) and Nefyto (sector board of the agro-chemical industry in the
Netherlands).
Agrifirm’s corporate social responsibility policy is rooted in parties who
are in nearly daily contact with Agrifirm relating to the subjects that
interconnect us. The connection between chain partners, employees,
members and customers with each other and with the environment is
very direct - but never taken for granted. Agrifirm intensively consults
with them on the priorities in sustainability themes, depending on the
impact that can be achieved together.
Additionally, Agrifirm deliberately seeks to connect with various
stakeholders on a regular basis. For example, we participate in joint
ventures with various scientific and social organisations, enter into
short-term and long-term agreements, organise meetings and
workshops and participate in research projects. These types of
coordination opportunities to a significant degree also influence the
priorities Agrifirm assigns to certain sustainability themes. On the one
hand, the value attached to a theme by our stakeholders carries a
great deal of weight in determining our focus. On the other hand, the
degree of impact and influence that Agrifirm has, determines which
themes are prioritised.
New and remarkable partnerships in 2014
In 2014, Agrifirm started collaborating with the Dutch Biorefinery
Cluster. This platform aims to fully use organic raw materials and
develop more high-end bio-based products. To reinforce its sector
position, Agrifirm is cooperating with various links in the arable
farming sector through the Arable BO (Sector Board). Agrifirm
Plant is one of the organisation’s initiators. This allows us to work
on cross-sector issues together, further reinforcing and expanding
our position.
Dialogue on re-stated sustainability policy
When re-stating its sustainability policy, Agrifirm also involves
external perspectives to determine the stakeholders’ opinion of
Agrifirm’s role in the chain. On 27 October 2014, Agrifirm organised
a meeting with the CSR sounding board group of Agrifirm.
Participants included Imke de Boer (Professor Animal Production
Systems Wageningen UR), Chris Kalden (Former Secretary General
of LNV, Chairman of Outdoor Grazing Foundation), Jan Cees
Vogelaar (former dairy farmer and Director of HarvestaGG), Tjerk
Wagenaar (Director of Nature & Environment) and Wouter van der
Weijden (Director CLM). The meeting focused on Agrifirm’s re-stated
corporate social responsibility policy.
The participants were positive about the structural way in which
Agrifirm details its sustainability policy. They stressed the importance of
continuing the pioneering, and also in particular getting to work with it
and translating the strategic goals into operational plans and concrete
milestones. Simultaneously, Agrifirm should also develop various
scenarios to better prepare for a range of developments, such as family
business versus professionalisation and upscaling; globalisation versus
regionalisation/localisation; and shifting market ratios.
The contrast that is sometimes perceived between economic
profitability and sustainability was seen as a key challenge, where
Agrifirm should sometimes make a more delineated choice based on
a mix of indicators. The CSR sounding board group advised Agrifirm to
give more insight into the financial consequences of its options and
make this an integral part of its policy. Here too, scenarios could help
in respect of strategic choices and developing R&D projects. Relating
to the six pillars, the attendants advocated centring on sustainable
soil use as a valuable production resource in agriculture. The human
aspects of the CSR policy could also do with more fleshing out
according to the attendants.
Finally, the importance of both internal and external communication
was highlighted. Within Agrifirm, it is important to keep CSR alive
at all levels in the organisation by integrating this in management
contracts. The field representatives can fulfil a key role in the dialogue
with society.
The many valuable recommendations and perspectives from
the sounding board meeting were used to re-state Agrifirm’s
sustainability policy and further specify the operational translation. In
2015, the meeting will be repeated in a symposium for stakeholders
on Agrifirm’s sustainability policy. The system of Agrifirm’s dialogue
with the stakeholders will be further structured in 2015 by actively
discussing a number of strategic themes with the stakeholders.
Agrifirm will also more intensively monitor the follow-up of discussions
with stakeholders.
CSR Update
In order to keep relations and stakeholders of Agrifirm posted of
developments relating to sustainability, Agrifirm introduced the CSR
Update newsletter in April 2014. In 2014, Agrifirm published seven
newsletters showing progress in corporate social responsibility
within our own organisations and also within organisations we
cooperate with.
19Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 18
BiodiversityIn the past few years, attention to the importance of biodiversity in
agriculture has increased. Biodiversity plays a major role at all levels
and in all processes within an agricultural company: soil, crops,
animals and the environment. Agrifirm focuses on the consequences
of our activities on biodiversity both at a local and international level.
Elements that impact biodiversity at a local level include phosphate
and nitrogen efficiency of plants and animals by preventing leakage
into soil or manure, the physical condition of the soil (organic matter
content and soil life), use of crop protection agents and direct
protection of bird life. At international level, land use is the key factor.
Minimising the use of land for producing animal feeds ensures that
more land is available for purposes with a higher biodiversity value.
Agrifirm Plant creates the conditions for biodiversity with sustainable
use of crop protection agents and fertilisers and by encouraging
healthy soil life. Agrifirm Plant is investigating the possibility of using
resources allowing for reduced use of crop protection agents while
stimulating or maintaining healthy soil. The CleanLight treatment
unit for flower bulbs is a great example in this context. This machine
beams a dose of special light to crops killing micro-organisms
such as moulds, bacteria and viruses. Research by Agrifirm Plant
has established that lily bulbs can safely be exposed to high
concentrations of CleanLight UV. The application of CleanLight UV
does not have any adverse effects on bulb quality and on the growth
of the lilies after planting.
Protection of bird life
A great example of protecting bird life is the partnership between
Agrifirm and the Grey Harrier Work Group Foundation, focusing on
maintaining and regeneration of nature. Groenvoerdrogerij Oldambt
BV, a crop drier, part of Agrifirm, is closely collaborating with this
foundation. The foundation works on conservation of the bird of prey
in the Netherlands, advising authorities and nature organisations
relating to developing policy and the practical implementation
of Agricultural Nature Management. In 2014, at the foundation’s
initiative, Parliament included the ‘bird field’ in the new GLB (Common
Agricultural Policy). From a GLB pilot, it became clear that a perennial
protein crop combined with natural fallow strips contributes to
healthy soil and maintaining threatened species such as the grey
harrier, while also being good for the farmers’ wallets. Protecting nests
of nesting birds of prey is one action that helps Oldambt BV contribute
to biodiversity on farm land.
Working on sustainable food production is an essential sustainability
theme for Agrifirm. With a growing world population and increasing
prosperity, demand for food and dairy products is set to increase in
the coming decades. Agrifirm aims to encourage its members and
customers to respond to this increase in a sustainable way. Naturally,
Agrifirm, as a supplier to farm yards, is committed to sustainability. This
is why we process co-products of the food industry in animal feeds,
and why we are committed to buying sustainable raw materials. This
is the result of Agrifirm’s intensive consultation with suppliers and
agreements with chain parties.
Our ObjectivesBy 2020, Agrifirm aims to buy all major commodities required for
animal feed, including wheat, corn and soy, subject to a sustainable
buying policy. Agrifirm bases this policy on regional risk analyses.
With these analyses, we chart the specific environmental and social
risks relating to major commodities of the production region, such
as deforestation for soy crops in South America. This analysis also
describes the actions that Agrifirm is taking to mitigate the risks
detected. This comes together in a sustainable buying policy, allowing
us to actively work on sustainable cultivation, processing and trade
of and in all our major raw materials. Agrifirm primarily focuses on
responsible procurement of major commodities used for animal feed,
but we are also assessing the policy frameworks on applicability to
raw materials for Agrifirm Plant.
Agrifirm’s investment in responsible soy and growing Dutch soy was
a major contribution to this pillar in 2014. Soy is a high-protein raw
material for animal feeds. Demand for soy is substantially increasing
worldwide, among others due to growing demand for animal
3. WorkINg oN SUSTAINABLE rAW mATErIALS
Demand for food will increase in the coming decades. This increases the pressure on limited raw
materials, water and nature. Sustainable production of agricultural products while respecting the
environment and surroundings is crucial for our future. Sustainable production starts at the front-end of
the chain, with buying sustainable raw materials. Agrifirm encourages growing and using sustainable
and responsible raw materials.
feeds, food and bio-fuels. In order to secure sustainable soy crop
cultivation, Agrifirm is cooperating with, among others, the Dutch
and European animal feed industry to ensure 100 percent responsible
soy. Additionally, Agrifirm has been co-developing the Dutch soy crop
cultivation and market with Wageningen UR since 2013.
21Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 20
0 Growers
0 hectares
2012
11 Growers
35 hectares
2013
2014
35 Growers
110 hectares
Soy cultivation in The Netherlands
Buying responsible soy
In 2015, Agrifirm is closely involved in the soy case file and in the Chain Transition
Responsible Soy Foundation, which has been working on 100 percent sustainable
soy since 2012. Responsible soy is cultivated in accordance with the RTRS (Round
Table on Responsible Soy) or equivalent standards. This soy fulfils a number of
criteria relating to nature conservation, biodiversity, sound agricultural practices,
healthy working conditions and respect for local land rights. In 2014, the animal feed
industry signed the Nevedi covenant, agreeing to use 100% RTRS certified soy for
the production of meat, dairy and eggs for the Dutch market if market demand is
also implemented as such. The soy for foreign market demand fulfils the minimum
sustainability requirements as determined by FEFAC, the European federation of
compound feed manufacturers.
In 2014, Agrifirm bought RTRS credits for 100,000 tonnes of responsible soy (about
one third of soy consumption). The credits are to be applied on several years. In
2014, Agrifirm was a Board Member of RTRS on behalf of FEFAC in order to actively
contribute to sustainable cultivation and production of soy.
Development European benchmark responsible soy
FEFAC, the European federation of compound feed manufacturers, is developing
a European system to compare and classify the various standards for responsible
soy based on the RTRS standard. This allows a transparent way for the animal feed
industry to interact with soy buyers. The aim is sustainably produced soy that is
feasible in practical terms and affordable. Ruud Tijssens, Director Corporate Affairs,
R&D and CSR, and Chairman of FEFAC, plays a leading role in this process. In this
context, Ruud Tijssens visited Brazil and the United States three times for meetings
with major stakeholders in these regions.
Increased sales in green crop protection agents
Green crop protection agents are based on natural origins (such as plants, animals,
micro-organisms or certain minerals), or synthesized agents that are identical to the
natural substance, and low-risk to humans, animals and the environment.
The sale of green crop protection agents amounted to barely 2% of the total sales
of crop protection agents in 2014. Agrifirm’s target is for this percentage to increase
to 20% of the crop protection agents by 2025. In late 2014, the Ministry of Economic
Affairs closed a Green Deal with the sector and other parties, to the effect of
accelerating sustainability in crop protection agents in agriculture and horticulture
by facilitating the admission of green crop protection agents carrying a low risk to
humans, animals and the environment.
Dutch-grown soyMarket development and a pilot test should lead to economically
viable soy cultivation in the Netherlands. Soy cultivation in north
western Europe offers benefits, such as closing regional cycles
and reducing feed miles. In the pilot test, Agrifirm Plant and
Wageningen UR are researching which soy varieties are most
economically viable for cultivating in the Netherlands, and the
optimal fertilising and crop cultivation methods. In the first year,
11 growers cultivated soy on 35 hectares. In 2014, this tripled to 35
growers on 110 hectares.
Through field meetings, an active Facebook group and cultivation
advice, growers learn from each other and from the knowledge of
Agrifirm Plant. On average, the best 25% of the growers realised 3.4
tonnes per hectare in 2014, compared to 2.8 tonnes per hectare
in 2013. Two varieties offer the best perspective for the future,
combining high yield and early maturing with a high protein
content. Agrifirm Plant is responsible for selling the Dutch-grown
soy to the food industry and the livestock sector. Three Dutch dairy
farms have been feeding Dutch-grown soy to their cows since
late 2014. The soy has been processed to make it suitable as high-
quality animal feed. The object of this trial run is to investigate how
this Dutch-grown soy can be incorporated into the formula, and to
study its effect on the cows’ performance.
Bulk market for Dutch-grown soy is feasible“The high-end market is now the main sales market for Dutch-grown soy, both for human consumption and non-GM animal feeds. Dutch
soy crops are already almost economically viable because of the mark-up for non-GM soy. The revenue is already substantially higher
than forecast in 2013. In 5 years’ time, we expect to achieve a yield of around 4.5 tonnes per hectares. This means the bulk market that is
interesting to Agrifirm is in sight. Agrifirm is really sticking out its neck by being one of the few parties investing
in research into European soy cultivation. It would not be a real pilot test without market development, because
after all, Dutch-grown soy must become a business case in progress. If we can cultivate 30 to 40 percent of the
soy required in Europe at the end of the day, my mission is accomplished.”
Chris de Visser, business developer Wageningen UR
23Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 22
Agrifirm expects the global economy and demand for agricultural
products to grow in the next few decades. This means that both
land and raw materials will become scarcer, increasing pressure on
ecosystems. The emission of fine dust particles and greenhouse gases
will increase, accelerating climate change. Agrifirm closely monitors
the emission of greenhouse gases and the share of renewable energy.
Our ObjectivesAgrifirm aims to improve its organisation’s energy efficiency by 15
percent in 2025, compared to 2015. For all production site, we aim to
also improve energy efficiency by 15 percent in 2025. Furthermore,
Agrifirm aims to have binding agreements with its carriers on reducing
to be a reliable partner and more efficient production. The Business
Excellence project in Hungary had the highest impact in 2014.
Energy Efficiency Since 2013, Agrifirm calculates the EEI (Energy Efficiency Index) for
most plants. This enables Agrifirm to identify the energy consumption
by product unit at key production sites. The index indicates the energy
efficiency in comparison to the 2010 reference year. In Agrifirm Feed,
the reference year is 2011, as this was the first year Agrifirm measured
the EEI of production sites. By annually repeating this survey, the
energy efficiency trend at each site becomes evident and this provides
Agrifirm with an accurate impression of the impact of implemented
efficiency measures.
The EEI shows some ups and downs; for some sites it decreased,
whereas others show an increase. In Agrifirm Feed’s Emmen
production site, the EEI decreased due to closing the plant in October
2014. The EEI of the Drachten production site improved thanks to a
renovated steam boiler and increased capacity. As the plant in Oss
required more energy to improve pellet consistency, its EEI decreased.
The Szamotuly site of Agrifirm Polska improved its energy efficiency
once more by investing in a new engine. The EEI of the Margonin plant
4. EffICIENT ProdUCTIoN ANd LogISTICS
Efficient processing of raw materials and smart logistics are high priorities for Agrifirm. Agrifirm’s logistics
contribute to the emissions of greenhouse gases and fine dust particles, among others. This is part of the
environmental footprint, which is a factor in climate change. Also, plants use energy for the production of
products and feedstuffs. This contributes to Agrifirm’s CO2 emissions. Investing in efficient production and
logistics enables Agrifirm to decrease its environmental footprint.
energy consumption and emissions due to transport by 2025.
Business Excellence ProjectsAgrifirm’s Business Excellence projects are a great example of actively
working on improving efficient production and logistics. These
projects aim to improve various business processes in Agrifirm. The
goal is higher customer satisfaction and better performance by
working more efficiently. In a Business Excellence project, various
measures relating to production and logistics are implemented to
improve efficiency. For example, the ‘Order to Cash’ project is designed
to gain insight into the bottlenecks in the order process, ensuring
that nothing can go wrong in this process. The aim of the project is
decreased due to increased feed meal production. This production
increase was not factored into the EEI calculation as no feed meal
production was made in the reference year, 2010. The German
plants achieved good results, among others by better monitoring
energy efficiency. In Hungary, the Bocs plant closed in late 2014. The
EEI of both Gyor and Kaba was lower as a result of increased pellet
production. We replaced two loose pelletizer machines with a single
large-capacity machines with higher energy consumption. The Kaba
plant also used the drier more because the corn was wetter than in
previous years.
The EEI of the Baasrode production site of Nuscience Group decreased,
as the plant is closing in 2015 and Agrifirm no longer invests in this
site. The results of NutriControl improved in 2014, among others due
to renovation and a Black Belt project. This allows personnel to more
efficiently align activities with each other and to more efficiently utilise
equipment. The results of the Oldambt site of Oldambt BV improved
thanks to a dry season. This allowed for properly drying the lucerne on
the field, requiring less energy for processing this crop. The Opeinde
site used more energy as the grass was harvested longer and with
higher moisture content in comparison with previous years. For this
reason, the site used more fuel per tonne of dried product.
The true benefit is that we continue to improve“The animal feed market in Hungary poses two major challenges: maintaining and expanding our market position and responding to our
customers’ wish for high-end custom products and services at sharp prices. In 2012, our production, efficiency and flexibility were not
yet sufficient. This is why we implemented a Business Excellence project in 2013, taking measures such as innovating the feed formula,
restructuring production planning and more accurate order forecasting.
The project reduced operational costs, providing more insight into the business processes. The result was worth it.
In 2014, our product efficiency improved by eight percent and our energy efficiency by twelve percent. However,
the biggest gain of all was that our team continues to improve, even without the Business Excellence project.
We are now truly aware of the benefits we can achieve by improving our business processes. This is necessary
to continue operating with a competitive edge, realising more with less and decreasing our environmental
footprint. I am convinced that continuous improvement is crucial to Agrifirm’s future.”
Alexander Drees, managing director Agrifirm Magyarország
2014 compared with reference year
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Agrifirm Feed Belgium Poland Germany Hungary NuscienceNutri-
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25Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 24
Feed’s carriers consisted of Euro6-certified trucks in order to reduce
the emission of NOx and fine dust particles.
In 2013, Agrifirm Plant decided on contemporary logistics, customised
to the customer’s wishes. In 2014, this was implemented in the entire
country for a full year for the first time. Agrifirm Plant replaced the
method of having the customer pick up his/her products by full
service delivery with the motto ‘efficient if allowed, rush if required’.
Using the ‘ex farm’ concept, the grower collects the grain at the farm
yard, where Agrifirm Plant picks it up within one week at no cost. In
2013, the cereals were centrally stored in the new grain storage in
Kampen for the first time. In 2014, the second section of the storage
facility was commissioned. In 2014, Agrifirm Plant also operated with
fewer carriers.
From the efficiency statistics for all product types, it is clear that the
2014 mileage is higher than in 2013. This increase is mainly due to two
causes. In the first place, the choice of continuing to offer rush orders to
members and customers cause sub-efficient loading of trucks. Another
cause is Agrifirm taking over carriage from the growers, such as based
on the ‘ex farm’ concept. Due to using large trucks with a higher loading
capacity such as 30 tonnes, Agrifirm Plant is able to pick up the grain
harvest from growers using lower mileage than the growers, who
would have to drive the distance several times for the same load. This
has made ‘ex farm’ transport of cereals more efficient, but also safer and
Agrifirm 2014 Energy Consumption
Energy consumption of the companies in the Agrifirm Group
last year amounted to:
2013 2014
Gas (m3) 14,814,015 12,888,053
Gas (l) 93,539 329,836
Electricity (kWh) 159,019,319 154,468,567
Coal (tonnes) 9,881 13,631
Heating oil (l) 787,501 639,908
Diesel (l) 5,335,582 507,062
Petrol (l) 23,930 20,518
AdBlue (l) 31,200 0
Share of renewable energy 3.16% 2.56%
Compared with 2013, gas consumption (m3) decreased, among
others because Agrifirm Plant used less gas. In 2014, growers
harvested relatively dry grains, resulting in less gas required to dry the
grain. The use of coal (per tonne) increased as Oldambt BV used more
fuel to dry the grass after a long, damp season. The use of diesel and
AdBlue significantly decreased because Agrifirm Feed has outsourced
the carrier activities from 2014.
Renewable energy by site
Agrifirm has invested in reduction measures in the past few years
to improve the EEI of production sites, among others. By annually
more professional. This measure has significantly decreased the number
of transport journeys in the polders, increasing road safety.
CO2-Emissions
Based on energy consumption, Agrifirm calculated its CO2 emissions
(Organisational Environmental Footprint) in 2014. The results of
the CO2 emissions are based on the emission factors published by
Stimular (on the basis of CE Delf 2010) and the Climate Neutral Group
(on the basis of NL Agency, 2012 CO2 performance ladder). In 2014,
our emissions amounted to:
CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption:
61,175,090 kg CO2 equivalent
CO2 emissions from indirect energy consumption:
77,036,084 kg CO2 equivalent
The CO2 emissions from direct energy increased compared to 2013
because Oldambt BV used more coal to dry the grass. The grass was
longer, but also damper when harvesting.
Green LeaseThe number of Agrifirm employees with a green lease car rose from
76 in 2013 to 81 in 2014. The data provided by the lease company
show that in 2014, the average CO2 emissions per kilometre of the
employees with a green lease contract is 152 grammes per kilometre.
repeating the energy efficiency survey, the energy efficiency trend at
each site becomes evident and this provides Agrifirm with an accurate
impression of the impact of implemented efficiency measures. In the
past few years, we made progress. The goal is further improvement in
the EEI in the coming years. Increasing the share of renewable energy
is part of this goal.
Investing in a better environment
Agrifirm’s production and logistics contribute to the emissions
of greenhouse gases, among others. In 2014, therefore, Agrifirm
invested in various measures designed to decrease the environmental
footprint. Agrifirm Feed invested € 75,000 in the Wanssum production
site for better extraction of the silos in order to reduce emission of
gases. Agrifirm Deutschland invested € 80,000 in a new control system
for efficiency improvement in the Drentwede site.
More energy-efficient transport
Transporting products is responsible for a significant portion of
Agrifirm’s energy consumption and therefore its CO2 emissions.
From 2014, Agrifirm outsourced all of its transport of animal feed to
customers. Agrifirm will make binding agreements with its carriers
on reducing energy consumption and emissions due to transport.
Agrifirm Feed also supplied bags and units on varying days in 2014.
This allowed for more efficiency, optimising the carrier planning. Due
to optimised carrier planning this resulted in lower CO2 emissions and
fewer kilometres. Furthermore, in 2014, 35% of the fleet of Agrifirm
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27Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 26
Efficient use of fertilisers and crop protection agents benefit the
environment and the entrepreneur’s wallet. More with less is a key
starting point in realising sustainable agriculture. Although Dutch
agriculture is already one of the most efficient in the world, there is
still plenty of room for improvement.
Our ObjectivesBy 2025, Agrifirm will have developed sustainable agricultural
practices. The aim is to assist Agrifirm’s members and customers
achieve efficiency improvements. This is designed to help Agrifirm’s
members and customers in reducing the environmental footprint
of animal and arable production by 15 percent in 2025 compared to
2015. Agrifirm actively encourages manure processing by members
and customers, in order to ensure optimal use of valuable components
in organic manure. This is how we help our members and customers
use raw materials efficiently.
Smart Dairy Farming The Smart Dairy Farming innovation project in which Agrifirm
participates is another great example. This project serves to develop
new technology, linking data and translating the data into real-
time work instructions for dairy farms. This increases the dairy cows’
lifespan and improves their health. In 2014, the project succeeded in
developing the first ten real-time work instructions for individual cows.
Dairy farmers in seven pilot companies tested the work instructions.
This is the first step in precision feeding, helping cows grow older in
good health with more productive years.
Veris soil scanIn order to efficiently use raw materials and fertilisers, Agrifirm Plant
and Agrometius offer growers the Veris soil scan. This scan was
5. EffICIENT USE of rAW mATErIALS
Efficient production results in a smaller environmental footprint. Efficient use of raw materials ensures
that more can be produced with less. This is why Agrifirm invests in research for the purpose of introducing
product innovations that help our members and customers to achieve higher production with less feed,
fertilisers or crop protection agents.
developed in 2014. Based on GPS, Agrometius records data, among
others on the variation in organic matter, pH, EC (salt concentration)
and the altitude of the soil within a plot. These data are calibrated
with soil samples. Subsequently, Agrifirm Plant specialists prepare
a job card together with the grower that the grower or worker can
use to fertilise, chalk or apply crop protection to specific spots.
This means growers have fewer corrections to make during the
cultivation and allows for optimising crop growth. The result is
improved yield, higher revenue and more specific use of fertilisers
and crop protection agents.
This is how we make the step to real-time livestock management“In the Smart Dairy Farming project, we have partnered with chain parties in a new approach of real-time translation of data on individual
dairy cows into practical advice for the dairy farmers. A treasure of data is available from each dairy farm, some measured using sensors.
Using these data on a real-time basis, we are shifting towards precision livestock farming, with each individual animal receiving the feed
and care that it requires at that time. This results in healthier animals that live longer and it contributes to more sustainable supply chains.
Combining knowledge of genetics, nutrition and animal health serves to extend the life of dairy cattle by at least one lactation period.
For example, the rumen is a complex ecosystem that is quickly out of order, with major consequences to the health and life span of the
animals. Sensors provide a real-time impression of the developments of rumen health. This way, the farmer can manage a condition
long before the cow gets sick, for example by reducing the amount of pelleted feed. We are currently developing models for individual
feeding based on production and health data. I also call this ‘smart feeding’ or ‘precision feeding’. This way, each animal receives optimal
feed rations, saving on raw materials.
These developments help us make the step from concluding that something is wrong when a condition is
visible to real-time assessment and early health management of individual cows. The result is healthy cows
that grow older and are consequently productive for a longer time. Efficiently using raw materials, decreasing
the environmental impact and improving animal health in companies improve the profitability of agricultural
companies.”
Albert van den Belt, director Agrifirm Innovation Centre
Biological soil remediationIn 2014, Agrifirm Plant and other parties started up a pilot project
for a new method of biological soil remediation targeting harmful
nematodes. The results of existing biological soil remediation vary
and a full growing season is often lost. The new ‘Soil Reset’ method
is more practical and can be completed in a short time. In 2015, the
first results of the Soil Reset method are expected for bulb crops and
open field vegetable crops. If the method works well, it provides an
environment friendly and safe alternative to regular remediation
agents, also for other crop cultivations. This enables Agrifirm Plant to
contribute to a sustainable crop cultivation that has less of an impact
on the environment.
Agrifirm Plant innovationsInnovations such as the corn seed coating Top Coat by Agrifirm Plant
are good examples of high-impact innovations. This coating does
not contain any inorganic phosphates. Instead, it ensures better soil
utilisation of nitrogen and phosphate than regular corn. Furthermore,
Top Coat corn shoots up quickly with high starch yields. A win-win
situation.
In 2014, Agrifirm Plant, together with other parties, introduced a
Toolbox to help growers keep the surface water cleaner. The Toolbox
contains 17 information cards with practical measures to reduce
the emission of crop protection agents to the surface water. The
Toolbox perfectly matches the government’s objectives and makes
growers aware of the emission routes in their company. Agrifirm Plant
encourages members and customers to use the Toolbox. In this context
it is important to thoroughly inform the growers about the practical
application. This is why the Toolbox is extensively highlighted in
customer meetings, lectures to growers and newsletters. Additionally,
Agrifirm Plant also researches the possibilities of purification of
residual liquids.
29Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 28
Phosphate reductionPhosphate is a key component of animal and plant food. Agriculture
uses phosphate from raw phosphate in animal feed and fertilisers.
Excess phosphates are bad for the environment and nature.
Additionally, raw phosphate is getting scarce. This is why we are
focusing on reducing phosphates in animal feed and fertilisers,
and efficient use and re-use of phosphate. Agrifirm Plant’s research
is focused on optimal yields and soil fertility with less phosphate.
Agrifirm Feed emphasises reducing phosphates in animal feed. A total
reduction of 910,432 million kilogrammes of phosphate was achieved
in 2014 in comparison to the 2009 reference year. This contributes to a
healthy environment and biodiversity.
Reducing phosphate in animal feed
Phosphate reduction (kg 2013 2014
Cattle 534,650 615,322
Pigs 538,886 295,110
In 2014, Agrifirm reduced phosphate further in cattle feedstuffs
because the feed had lower protein content. The cattle feed
contained 2.42 percent phosphorus as the share of raw protein in
the feed. This is well under the 2.5 percent standard as agreed in
the Nevedi covenant. In 2014, Agrifirm realised lower phosphate
reductions in pig feedstuffs. The share of co-products from the food
industry, such as semolina and sunflower kernels increased in pig
feed. These co-products often have high phosphorus content that
is not always bio-available to the animals and reduces phosphate
reductions.
The Cycle Management Guide brings the feed, manure and soil cycle
of a dairy farm into focus. These data enable the dairy farmer to better
respond to the needs of the crops and the directives for applying
manure on his own grounds. The Agrifirm dairy farm advisors are
trained to support dairy farmers in using the Cycle Management
Guide.
Efficient feedstuffs and concepts of Agrifirm Feed
In late 2014, Agrifirm Feed was the first animal feed
company to introduce sustainability labels providing
specific information on the sustainability performance
of feed concepts and products. This way, Agrifirm Feed
helps customers have an impact on their own company.
Additionally, we introduced new feed concepts, such as
Compound Feeding 2.0 for dairy cows. This approach
prevents feed selection, thus resulting in higher feeding
efficiency and improved animal health. In 2014, Agrifirm
Feed expanded the moist feed concept SOLIQ for laying
hen poultry to broiler hen rearing stock. SOLIQ prevents
selective pecking of chickens, reducing the loss rate and
increasing yield. Additionally, Agrifirm Feed introduced the
new Robustior fattening pig feed for the finishing phase
of the pigs in 2014. This feed enables the customers to
feed their fattening pigs even more efficiently. With the
introduction of innovative feed concepts, Agrifirm Feed
contributes to efficient use of raw materials, with gains both
for the environment and the entrepreneur.
Please find below the fact sheet of SOLIQ. In 2014, Agrifirm
started calculations of the sustainability performance of this
moist feed concept for poultry.
(Factsheet)
schakel in succes
Duurzaamheidslabels voor verantwoorde keuzeNegen miljard mensen voorzien van gezond en
duurzaam voedsel. Dat is de grote uitdaging waar de
wereld voor staat. Agrifirm helpt leden en klanten
om op een rendabele en duurzame manier voedsel te
produceren. Als eerste diervoederbedrijf kiest Agrifirm
voor duurzaamheidslabels voor voeders en concepten.
De labels zijn bedoeld om inzicht te geven in de
duurzaamheidsprestaties van het concept of product.
DuurzaamheiDsprestaties van sOLiQ
Vijf labelsEr zijn vijf labels: mineralenefficiëntie, diergezondheid,
klimaat, recycling en verduurzaming grondstoffen.
Elk label heeft een eigen symbool en geeft concrete
informatie over de duurzaamheidsprestaties van uw
voerconcept of product. Zo helpen we u een volgende
stap te zetten naar een duurzame voedselvoorziening.
Hieronder vindt u de duurzaamheidsprestaties van SOLIQ.
Voor elk duurzaamheidslabel geldt een andere schaalverdeling. U vindt deze op de laatste pagina van deze factsheet.
Legenda:negatieve impact Neutraal positieve impact
7,3%
Het landgebruik per ei melk
daalt met 7,3%, mede door de
aanzienlijke stijging van het
aandeel van co-producten.
Landgebruik
Landgebruik
Reductie
Verduurzaminggrondstoffen
11%
SOLIQ bevat 11% meer
co-producten dan gangbaar
pluimveevoer.
Recycling
Co-producten
Co-producten
Reductie
5,0%
Doordat soja wordt vervangen
voor een vergelijkbaar deel
co-producten, bereikt u met
SOLIQ een hoge reductie van
klimaatemissies per kg ei.
Klimaat
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Reductie
Door een vlotte en uniforme
voeropname is de gezondheids-
toestand van het koppel veel
stabieler en is er minder uitval.
Dier-gezondheid
Gezondheidseffect
Op het gebeid van mineralen-
efficiëntie zijn er geen
aanzienlijke veranderingen te
verwachten.
Mineralen-efficiëntie
0,4% 0,5%
N efficiëntie
N en P efficiëntie
P efficiëntie
N efficiëntie P efficiëntie
sOLiQ
ReductieVerhoging
312014 Corporate Sustainability Report 30 Agrifirm
Investing in valorising manureUnder new manure legislation, it is mandatory for farmers with excess
manure to process a portion of their manure. Manure processing
converts manure into valuable nutrients and organic materials for
the soil. This allows for efficient utilisation of manure flows and the
proper use of these new organic manure flows improves soil fertility.
Agrifirm is one of the initiators of the Manure Investment Fund. This
fund stimulates specific investment plans for manure processing. In
2014, the fund financed the second and third manure processing
project. This allowed the fund to realise 430,000 kg of phosphate for
exporting abroad.
Use of organic fertilisers
More efficient use of organic fertilisers is a key objective to Agrifirm Plant.
This strategy of Agrifirm Plant is effective; the sales volume of organic
fertilisers and liquid manure once more increased in 2014. The sales
volume of stackable fertilisers is comparable to that of previous years.
The sales volume of compost slightly decreased in 2014 due to lower
supply and increased prices. In 2014, entrepreneurs also used more
slurry and due to limited storage space, this decreased the sales
volume of compost. In 2015, Agrifirm Plant aims to become a party
adding value in the residual flows column.
600.000
500.000
400.000
300.000
200.000
100.000
0
Liquid (t)
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Stackable (t) Compost (t) Organic fertilisers
Organic fertilisers
Water consumption With the growing world population, demand for food and water increases accordingly. Simultaneously, availability of water decreases
due to water wastage and pollution, climatic change and deforestation. Agriculture is a major water consumer. Worldwide, about 70%
of the available water is used for agriculture. A sound water level and effective water management are basic requirements for healthy
agriculture.
To ensure future supply of sufficient clean water, Agrifirm is committed to awareness in using water. This is why Agrifirm uses water
conscientiously in its various product sites. However, the highest impact in terms of water is achieved on the farm yard. This is why
Agrifirm Plant developed innovative irrigation methods that reduce water consumption in order to achieve optimal results with
minimum water quantities.
Sensetion soil water sensor In the past year, Agrifirm Plant and Dacom launched
a sensor system for agriculture and horticulture on
the market: Sensetion. This sensor system for growers
indicates exactly when a plot should be sprinkled. This
concerns a soil water sensor interacting with a mobile
app for irrigation advice, and is user-friendly. Sensetion
is equipped with intelligent sensor technology.
Effective water management quickly pays back
the investment. In dry areas, the added value is
mainly in saving water. In wetter areas, such as the
Netherlands, irrigation at just the right times allows
for higher quality of the harvest and higher yields. So
specific irrigation is not only better for the crops and
the soil, but it also results in direct savings on water
consumption. Fuel use is also lower due to fewer
transports to the plots and lower diesel use during
irrigation. Furthermore, the system itself fully operates
on solar energy.
33Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 32
Due to increasing urbanisation, consumers are not as close
to agriculture as before. Sustainability is linked to traditional
craftsmanship. New technology based on chemistry and modern
breeding methods are mistrusted. Using substances such as crop
protection agents and antibiotics are under the scrutinising eye of
society, often with a ‘zero tolerance’ filter. Healthy plants, soil and
animals reduce the need for corrective measures such as the use of
crop protection agents and veterinary drugs. This is why Agrifirm is
committed to plants, soil and animals with high natural resistance.
This decreases the necessity for corrective measures such as the use
of veterinary drugs or crop protection agents.
Our ObjectivesBy 2025, Agrifirm has developed sustainable agricultural practices,
including natural crop protection and a 20 percent increase in the
use of green crop protection agents. Reinforcing natural resistance of
animals will reduce the use of veterinary drugs by our members and
customers by 20 to 30 percent compared to 2015.
Healthy soil and balanced plant and animal feed is the basis for
profitable and sustainable agriculture. Balanced plant and animal
feed is the basis for profitable and sustainable agriculture. Feed
concepts such as OPFOK24 for dairy cattle and Line-Up for broilers
are fine examples showing how Agrifirm is contributing to healthy
animals. Agrifirm also actively works on healthy soil.
6. HEALTHY PLANTS, SoIL ANd ANImALS for HEALTHY PEoPLE
Plants and animals with high natural resistance need fewer supporting substances such as
crop protection agents and veterinary drugs. This benefits plants, animals, the environment
and the entrepreneur’s wallet. Eventually, healthy plants and animals of course also
contribute to improved human health.
Concepts for healthy animalsA feed concept or product that is optimally aligned to the needs of
the animal is a great basis for healthy animals. In early 2014, Agrifirm
Feed introduced the innovative concept Line-Up, housing hens and
cocks separately in the same stable but giving specific feed to each.
This is an optimal response to the specific nutrient needs of hens
and cocks. This results in healthier chicks, fewer foot sole problems
and better yield for the entrepreneur.
Additionally, Agrifirm introduced the concept Roughage Total
in 2014. This concept ensures optimal alignment of regulations,
soil, fertilisation, crop, harvest and nutrition. This always centres
Attention to healthy soil is a stayer“Healthy soil is a vital part of worldwide food supply. If the soil is balanced in chemical, physical and biological terms, you can say
that the soil is healthy. This would involve the right balance of nutrients and trace elements suitable for the soil type; a sound ratio of
air, water and soil; and healthy soil life with sufficient organic matter content. The soil can properly feed the plants only if all of these
elements are balanced.
In our cultivation advice for healthy soil, we focus on two aspects. We advise growers how to balance the organic matter content in
order to maintain soil fertility and soil health. We also advise on proper nutrient supply. In particular in clay grounds, this affects the
right structure in the soil. In the past year, we once again launched a number of innovative products that help growers in that respect.
NemaDecide is a nematode advisory system, among others for potato growers, to manage the correct crop rotation for proper control
of pathogen soil life. We converted the system to Geonema in 2014, which is a system accessible via internet. This enables growers to
calculate the development of pathogenic nematodes during a period of over ten years based on certain crop rotations and crop se-
lections. This helps growers to prepare a healthy crop rotation schedule in terms of nematode control. We are set to roll out Geonema
in 2015.
Another great example is Mycorrhiza, a mould that lives symbiotically with plant roots, assisting in better access to nutrients and water.
Mycorrhiza is suitable for healthy soils, but requires the grower to adjust fertilisation and the use of crop protection agents. Together
with our partner BioMygreen, we marketed Mycorrhiza moulds in 2014 for a number of new crops, such as onions, flower bulbs and
tree crops, and also for public landscaping. We offer a comprehensive solution, so we also give the growers advice on how to best
make their crop ‘Mycorrhiza-proof’.
Attention to healthy soil is certainly a stayer. Concepts such as Mycorrhiza are just the start of what is possible.
In our crop advice and research, the added value to the customer always has the highest priority. After all, we
are not researchers solely on a quest for knowledge in itself.”
Aaldrik Venhuizen, manager Research & Development Agrifirm Plant
on the need and nutrition of the cow. This concept enables the
entrepreneur to achieve excellent yields on healthy cows.
In 2014, the sustainability labels were calculated for the existing
concepts OPFOK24 and the 100 days concept. Agrifirm Feed’s
OPFOK24 concept for dairy cattle is a structured schedule with
specific feedstuffs and advice for efficient rearing of young cattle. The
100-day approach for dairy cows contains the right products and the
best recommendations concerning nutrition, accommodation and
the care of cows around calving time. This results in fewer digestive
diseases around calving time and increased life-time production.
Vitanox and Vitafix for healthy young animalsIn 2014, Health4U’s R&D department, part of Nuscience, introduced
the natural anti-oxidants Vitanox and Vitafix. Adding Vitanox to
feed reduces the number of harmful free radicals while requiring
less vitamin E. This gives the animal better protection, which has
a positive impact on health. Health4U also developed the feed
additive Vitafix, countering mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can suppress
the immune system, making animals more vulnerable to diseases.
Vitafix enables the entrepreneur to actively work on having healthy
animals that require fewer veterinary drugs.
35Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 34
Agrifirm Plant testingIn 2014, Agrifirm Plant conducted tests all year, testing innovations
relating to fertilisation, crop protection agents, soil health and
soil fertility. These tests are designed to collect knowledge and
translate it to the customer’s situation. For example, in 2014, we
tested Top Soil humus acids that can be used for better availability
of soil phosphate to plants. This helps them grow better. We also
researched improving soil health using Mycorrhiza. Agrifirm Plant
developed an innovative cultivation system in onion crops using
Mycorrhiza. In 2014, we extended this system to potato and bulb
crops. We also deploy this beneficial mould in sports fields.
Implementation Cycle Management Guide As from 2015, the Cycle Management Guide is mandatory to
dairy farmers with a phosphate surplus. The Cycle Manage-
ment Guide brings the feed, manure and soil cycle of a dairy
farm into focus. This data makes it easier for the farmer to
take the impact on the soil into account and to opt for a
different feed ratio and a more efficient fertilising method.
It enables better performance of both plants and animals,
and benefits the environment. Agrifirm Exlan, a member of
the Agrifirm Group, advised 15 study groups of dairy farmers
concerning the Cycle Management Guide in 2014.
People
Contribution to improvement public health consumer level: AIC 25% Plant 14%
Contribution to preventing human resistance to antibiotics: AIC 42%
Improvement of animal health and animal welfare: AIC 50%
Contribution to training internal or external involved parties: AIC 58% Plant 31% BE 92%
Planet
Biodiversity: improve phosphate efficiency soil: AIC 50% Plant 39%
Biodiversity: improve nitrogen efficiency soil: AIC 8% Plant 39%
Biodiversity: improve soil physics: AIC 50% Plant 42%
Biodiversity: improve the use of Crop Protection Products: Plant 28%
Climate: curb the emission of heavy greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide): AIC 8%
Climate: improve feed conversion: AIC 71%
Climate: reduce own energy consumption: AIC 17% BE 15%
Alternative sources of protein: AIC 21% Plant 3%
Reuse of raw materials (recycling) Plant 6%
Air and water quality: Plant 6%
Profit
Direct cost reduction of own and/or member activities: AIC 92% Plant 36% BE 77%
Internal collaboration: AIC 85% Plant 22% BE 100%
Collaboration within the chain: AIC 46% Plant 19%
Contribution of Innovation Projects to SustainabilityAgrifirm is investing in fundamental and practical tests to realise
higher yield and sustainability impact on the farm yard, to maintain
its position as market leader and to contribute to sustainable food
supply. As in previous years, AIC, Agrifirm Plant and Agrifirm Business
Excellence (BE) conducted a sustainability scan to determine which
projects in 2014 contributed to people’s and animal’s health (People),
biodiversity and the emission of greenhouse gases (Planet) and
returns for the farmer (Profit). The percentage of the research projects
with specific focus on people, planet and profit are presented in the
table below.
The research projects of Agrifirm focus on a wide range of subjects
within the themes of people, planet and profit. Research can score
on the various themes, which explains the variation in percentages.
A great example is the research into the feed conversion for the
100-day plan. This research was about looking for ways to improve
feed efficiency and simultaneously to realise a better bottom line
for the livestock farmer. The research into the Cleanlight treatment
unit for flower bulbs is a great example of this ‘cross-pollination’. The
research contributes to the theme Planet as a lower amount of crop
protection agents is required when using the Cleanlight treatment
unit. Simultaneously, it improves yields as it tackles a virus in the crop.
This research therefore also contributes to the Profit theme.
37Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 36
Worldwide, a growing percentage of people age 20 and older are
overweight and have health issues, with unhealthy food as a major factor.
Sufficient supply of sustainable and healthy products can change the
consumption pattern. Simultaneously, Agrifirm notes that society shows
a growing interest in recognisable products and transparent production
processes. Consumers increasingly label ‘regional’ products as sustainable
and healthy. This is why Agrifirm invests in new chain concepts, reducing
chain length or processing locally sourced raw materials.
Our ObjectivesBy 2020, Agrifirm wants to be the main partner for chain parties
in developing and testing new chain concepts. This is why
Agrifirm participates in partnerships such as the ‘Brewing Barley
from Sustainable Crops in the Netherlands’ project. In this project,
Agrifirm Plant, Heineken Netherlands and Holland Malt collaborate
in developing the market for sustainable brewing barley up to
15,000 tonnes in 2015. The 2020 target is to grow 50,000 tonnes of
sustainable brewing barley. Agrifirm Plant is testing barley varieties
with excellent growing properties, thus supporting sustainable
cultivation of brewing barley.
European animal feed studyProtein-based raw materials are a vital component in animal feeds.
In Europe, we import a relatively large amount of protein-based raw
materials such as soy. This increases the environmental footprint,
among others due to transport. Various chain parties are interested
in European raw materials for animal feeds. In 2014 at the Laverdonk
experimental farm, Agrifirm studied the consequences of feeding
7. CoNTrIBUTINg To A SUSTAINABLE CoNSUmEr SUPPLY
Agrifirm is committed to offering consumers the choice of responsible products. Agrifirm sees growing
attention for the influence of food on health. Simultaneously, interest in recognisable products is growing.
In order to encourage the production of sustainable products, collaboration in the chain is essential. This
is why Agrifirm supports livestock farmers in optimising outdoor grazing with the Meadow Compass. In
this way we contribute to the dairy produced from cows that graze in meadows.
broiler chicks using only European raw materials. The study showed
that it was not possible to compose optimal feed for the broilers
using the available raw materials. In particular the levels of a number
of amino acids fell short. Research to find the best alternative showed
that the feed profit was lower by 30%. We aim to be an discussion
partner to chain partners by conducting research and contribute to a
sustainable range for consumers.
Agrifirm Plant in ‘Did you know that?’ In 2014, one edition the popular RTL4 TV show ‘Did you know that?’
focused on leeks. In this broadcast, a cultivation specialist, an Agrifirm
Plant customer, told viewers all about sustainable cultivation of leeks.
Relating to growing sustainable leeks, we are actively working on
a sustainable consumer range. The ‘Did you know that’ broadcast
offered consumers an insight into sustainable cultivation of a
frequently used vegetable in the every-day Dutch kitchen.
Carbon footprintingCarbon footprinting is the calculation of the total greenhouse gas
emissions of a product throughout its entire lifespan. This subject
is gaining in prominence on the agricultural sector’s agenda in the
Netherlands, Europe and throughout the world. Through a partnership
between the FEFAC (the European Federation of Compound Feed
Manufacturers) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),
Agrifirm is working on the international standardisation of the FeedPrint
methodology. The partnership launched the Livestock Environmental
Assessment and Performance (LEAP) partnership. In 2013 this
partnership worked on a global methodology for CO2 footprinting for
animal feeds. In 2014, an agreement was reached and final guidelines
were published. In addition, the FAO and the American animal feed
industry are consulted concerning the creation of a global database for
data on the environmental impact of certain raw materials.
The CO2 Footprint of Milk, Meat and Eggs
The infographic below illustrates the CO2 equivalent number of
Sustainable brewing barley is a great example of successful chain development“In the past three years, about 70 growers of Veldleeuwerik Foundation were growing brewing barley on Dutch soil with sustainable
methods. Agrifirm Plant provides, among other things, accredited advisers, who issue advice to the growers relating to sustainable cul-
tivation of brewing barley. Holland Malt is responsible for malting the barley and subsequently Heineken brews beer from the malt. In
2014, the brewing barley growers of Veldleeuwerik Foundation supplied 8,000 tonnes of sustainable barley, allowing Heineken to brew
as much as 440,000 hectolitres of beer.
We think it is important that the brewing barley is cultivated also in the Netherlands. This projects gives us a direct link with the Dutch
brewing barley growers. In this case, the growers are very special because they develop sustainable agriculture. The project is a fine
example of successful chain development that also supports the transition towards sustainable agriculture. That is also the reason for us
to continue our partnership with Agrifirm Plant and Holland Malt, having extended the project by three years.
The first three cultivation years were successful, and so we increased the target to 15,000 tonnes of sustainably
grown brewing barley in 2015. Our ambition is 50,000 tonnes of sustainably grown brewing barley by 2020. We
also introduced a field shoulder scheme to the growers, making sowing seeds for flower strips available free
of charge to the growers. This way, we promote both biodiversity and the grower’s image. Heineken aims to
become the greenest brewer in the world, and that means good collaboration with committed partners such
as Agrifirm Plant are essential.”
Jan Kempers, manager Sustainable Development, Heineken Nederland BV
Carbon footprint Kg Co2 eq/ton product
Pig meat Chicken meat Milk Eggs
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
LuLuc
Feed
Farm
kilogrammes of emissions released during the production of a
kilogramme of milk, meat or eggs produced using Agrifirm Feed’s
feeds. The carbon footprint of chicken meat and milk remained
fairly stable compared to previous years. The footprint of eggs
showed a slight decline. The carbon footprint of pork is slightly
higher due to adjustment of the piglet feed calculation method.
The adjusted method is based on a new definition, for example of
the energy required for growing and drying the crops for piglet
feed.
39Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 38
Agrifirm is committed to being an attractive employer. This is how
we can recruit the best employees and achieve the best results.
Corporate social responsibility and relevant business operations are
vital therefore. Offering excellent opportunities for further growth
and a pleasant company culture are also factors in Agrifirm’s success.
Agrifirm aims to take good care of its employees, and consequently
invests in excellent employee benefits and training options.
Our GoalIn order to remain successful, Agrifirm aims to be the most favourite
employer of the agricultural sector by 2020. By 2020, Agrifirm has
developed leadership as one of the key success factors of the
company. This is clear, among others, from a large share of internal
promotions.
Best employer agricultural sectorThe journal ‘V-focus’ performed an online survey in 2014 among
students of agricultural curriculums of four agricultural academies,
Wageningen University and Utrecht University. Students were
asked for companies where they would like to work. Agrifirm was
mentioned at the students’ initiative most frequently and was chosen
as best employer in the survey. We were proud to receive the V-focus
award. This highlights that Agrifirm is appreciated for its activities in
the employee context.
8. THE BASIS for SUCCESS
Expert, motivated employees are indispensable to a successful enterprise. It is important for Agrifirm
to recruit and retain talented employees. This is why Agrifirm creates a stimulating and inspiring work
environment and invests in sound terms and conditions of employment and in training opportunities and
career development.
We aim to be a leading employer“After Agrifirm’s merger with Cehave Landbouwbelang in
2010, we already expressed the ambition to be part of the
top 3 favourite employers in the agricultural sector. This
ambition expresses our scale and market position. When re-
stating our sustainability policy, we also determined we aim
to become a leading employer. As a top company, recruiting
and retaining talents is essential. Products and services are
important - but without the right people, the company is
not ‘rolling’.
So in the next few years we will continue to look for potential
employees from outside the agricultural sector. This enables
us to invite new knowledge and competencies and stay a
large, international company. Additionally, the HR (Human
Resource) departments of the individual companies will
be collaborating to encourage internal promotion of
employees. I think it is important that our staff can say: ‘I
can make a national or an international career at Agrifirm
within its group of companies’. This is why we introduced
an international performance management platform in
2014, allowing employees to work on improving their
performance in a sophisticated way.
We also took a step forward in further leadership
development of managers in 2014. Training managers
enables them to support ambitious employees. In 2015,
we will continue working on this goal with the Agrifirm
Academy, supporting people in their personal development
plans. This will help us remain a leading employer in our
sector.”
Emiel Berg, director HR Agrifirm
LeadershipAgrifirm aims to be the best company in its market by 2016. The way in
which managers exercise their responsibilities is very important in this
respect. This is why Agrifirm is implementing the Leadership@Agrifirm
project. This project is a continuous process and a development
initiative for the entire organisation. Furthermore, Agrifirm frequently
organises training for ‘Young Employees Agrifirm’ (YEA) for employees
up to age 35 with a higher education level.
Training cost per employeeIn addition to leadership training, Agrifirm invests in (further) training,
for example relating to working conditions and safety.
Expenses for training employees (x 1000 euro)
2013 2014
Agrifirm Group 1079 1221
Agrifirm Feed 217 98
Nuscience Group 123 244
Agrifirm Germany 1433 155
Agrifirm Poland 83 120
Agrifirm Hungary 85 86
Agrifirm Co-products 118 42
Agrifirm Belgium 1389 1125
Agrifirm Plant 749 945
Abemec 1753 1944
Oldambt BV 103 90
Agrifirm Exlan 971 549
NutriControl 707 0
Agrifirm Winkel 233 91
AgriRetail 297
International collaborationIn line with its commitment to corporate social responsibility,
Agrifirm contributes to developing the agricultural sector in
various developing countries. Agrifirm Plant supports ‘Building on
fertile grounds’ between 2014 through 2016, a ZOA agricultural
development project in Burundi. Various Agrifirm Plant specialists
visited the project to issue practical crop and cultivation advice. In
2014, a group of 13 representatives of Kenyan dairy cooperatives
visited the Agrifirm head offices. We exchanged knowledge during
this visit and explained our sustainability policy. This visit and some
missions to Kenya and Indonesia are part of the partnership with
Agriterra. This organisation supports farmer organisations in their
battle against poverty based on using experts from the Dutch
agricultural sector and sponsored by the Dutch government.
Customer satisfactionIt is very important to any company to understand their customers’
opinion of them - also to Agrifirm. Therefore Agrifirm performs
a survey of customer satisfaction and its image once every two
years. In 2013 the survey showed that 84 percent of customers
was satisfied. Improving customer complaint handling was one
of the recommendations. Agrifirm Plant edited the procedure in
a number of aspects. For example, complaints are recorded in a
complaints module, and we make a follow-up call on one in every
five complaints to receive feedback on the handling of complaints.
The general target is to resolve 90 percent of all complaints within
two weeks. Agrifirm Feed organised the ‘More Happy Customers’
promotion in 2014, and highlighted customer satisfaction during
the 2014 field sales day. Agrifirm Feed also invested in improving
complaint handling. This is how we reduced our customer losses by
30 percent. In the survey, almost all customers showed a positive
attitude towards Agrifirm. Also non-customers are mostly positive
about Agrifirm.
Agrifirm best employer 2014!1
41Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 40
Health and safety policy Working in a safe environment is important for everyone. This is why
Agrifirm initiated the Safety First Project in 2012. The objective of this
project is to reduce the number of accidents and to introduce safety
principles. In 2014, all Agrifirm companies prepared an Annual Arbo
Plan (Working Conditions Plan).
The Agrifirm Group has good insight into the safety policies of the
different companies. In 2013 a quick scan was performed for the
Agrifirm companies in the context of the Safety First Project. The
scan was completed by all directors of the subsidiaries. The Agrifirm
companies were questioned on eight components:
> Having a safety policy in place
> Performing a risk identification
> Registration of accidents
> Employee safety training
> The presence of health and safety officers
> The presence of designated implementation officers with
specific authorities
> Safety consultation
> Performance of regular medical examinations (‘PMOs’)
Based on the results, each company prepared an action plan in
2014. Some implemented measures. Agrifirm Feed provided
additional training relating to working conditions legislation and
safety. The safety officer passed his exam in 2014 and was certified
as ‘Higher-Level Safety Expert’. The Emergency Response manager
also passed his exam and was certified as an occupational hygienist.
Agrifirm Plant communicated the company regulations once
more, and trained employees in handling hazardous substances
and loading trucks. Safety remains a recurring agenda item for
various Agrifirm units.
Accidents and Sickness AbsenceAgrifirm’s sickness absence rate was 3.7 percent in 2014. In comparison
with 2013, the absence rate remained stable and the duration of
absence decreased. The frequency of accidents slightly rose.
> Accident frequency (incidents per 1,000,000 working hours):
3.9 percent in 2014, versus 2.5 percent in 2013.
> Average duration of absence due to accidents:
10 working days in 2014, versus 22 in 2013.
> Rate of absence due to accidents:
0.2 percent in 2014, versus 0.2 percent in 2013.
Fatal accidents happened to two Abemec employees in 2014. The
causes of the accidents were investigated by the Labour Inspectorate,
among others. This investigation did not turn up any lack of actions or
measures on Abemec’s part.
Average sickness absence as a % 2013 2014
Agrifirm Group BV (excluding participating interests) 2.3 4.4
Agrifirm Feed 4.7 4.5
Nuscience Group 1.7 2.1
Agrifirm Deutschland 7.5 3.4
Agrifirm Polska 2.5 7.1
Agrifirm Magyarország Zrt. 1.8 1.1
Agrifirm Co-products 3.2 3.7
Agrifirm Belgium 3.2 1.2
Agrifirm Plant 2.7 2.7
Abemec 3.6 1.9
Oldambt BV 5.9 7.3
Agrifirm Exlan 3.7 2.9
NutriControl 2.7 4.6
Agrifirm Winkel BV 3.1 4.0
Agrifirm Retail 4.4 4.6
Composition of personnel population
Total number of FTEs in 2014: 3004
Total number of Employees in 2014: 3328
Distribution of Total Number of Employees
Agrifirm Group BV 66
Agrifirm Plant 238
Agrifirm Magyarország Zrt. 128
Agrifirm Feed 583
Abemec 233
Agrifirm Winkel BV 552
Nuscience Group 758
Oldambt BV 29
Agrifirm Co-products 142
Agrifirm Deutschland 194
Agrifirm Exlan 45
Agrifirm Belgium 32
Agrifirm Polska 125
NutriControl 85
AgriRetail 118
Job Families
Management 3,4 %
Commercie 23,7 %
Staff, Support and 15.2 % Services
Research and 5,3 % Innovation
Operations 48,4 %
Other 4%
Gender
Male 74 %
Female 26 %
Employment Contract
Permanent 86 %
Temporary 14 %
Age distribution
< 29 25 %
30-50 48 %
> 51 27 %
Total of 3.328 employees
43Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 42
CoLoPHoN
Agrifirm’s 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report is a publication of Agrifirm Group
and is available in digital format from Agrifirm’s website.
Editorial Committee
CSR department (Agrifirm Group), Communication Department Agrifirm Group,
HR Department and Finance Agrifirm Group, Agrifirm Innovation Center, R&D Plant
Text
Schuttelaar & Partners
Concept and realisation
DTP Agrifirm, JEEN, Made in May
Contact
Agrifirm Group
Landgoedlaan 20
7325 AW Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
PO Box 20000
7302 HA Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
T +31 (0) 88 488 10 00
website: www.agrifirm.com/duurzaam
June 2015
45Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 44
Appendix 1: KPIs relating to our organisation
AMCRA
Bemefa
Identification Group pig veterinaries
WPSA
European pig producers platform
Consultation platform Premixes of Nevedi
Fefana
Frana
Advice committee animal feed research and Product Board Animal Feed
Nevedi Consultation platform premixes
IPVS
Ava Schothorst
Ava AniMedica
Agrivaknet
Agrifirm Co-products
FEFAC work group former feedstuffs on behalf of VIDO
International expert committee of GMP+ (on behalf of OPNV), transport
International Expert committee of GMP+ (on behalf of OPNV), Feed Safety database
OPNV
Agrifirm Plant
Steering group Programme Precision Agriculture
Steering group SGGV Crop protection agents
Nemadecide
Geonema
Agrodis
Mineral fertilisers federation (MMF)
Plantum, cereals section
Plantum, trade licence crops section
NAK
Veldleeuwerik Foundation
Dutch Carrot Group
LLTB
ZLTO
Netrecycle
Mineral Fertilisers Federation
Mineral Fertilisers Distribution
Arable Product Board
Top Sectors Chain Platform
Steering group Thorough Farming with Corn in Drenthe
NIBEM (brewing barley Advisory Committee)
Nemadecide
List of memberships
Agrifirm Group BV
FEFAC, task force sustainability
FEFAC Praesidium
Project leadership, Foundation Responsible Soy Chain Transition
Dairy Campus Innovation Committee
SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)
Agrifirm Feed / AIC
Top sectors project Feed4Foodure
Animal Feed Research Netherlands Association
GMP committees for logistics and product assessment
Schothorst: Foundation Board, basic package committee, animal committee cattle, pigs, poultry
PR and communications Agrivaknet
Trustfeed, work group supplier assessment
Platform organic food and livestock
CVB
WPSA
Nevedi Atex
Nevedi Board
Trustfeed Board
CVB
International Expert Committee GMP+
FEFAC Quality Feed
FEFAC Committee Animal Nutrition
International GMP+ Sustainable Fishmeal & Fish oil
Occupational Health & Safety Catalogue
GMP+ guidance
NEVEDI substance and endotoxins
Nevedi Arbo (working conditions) and the Environment
Expert committee Rikilt Risk System
raw materials and lab methods
Nevedi Animal feed legislation
SecureFeed Work group Product Assessment
SecureFeed Technical Committee
Nuscience Group
APPENdIx
Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 46 47
Overview of key themes that emerged in consultation with stakeholders
Plant activities
Sustainable raw materials Biodiversity Transport Health and safety of
(recycling, crops, certifications) (plant health, soil healt, customers and consumers
flowers & bees) (safety at work, advice)
Geonema
Sector board for logistics Netherlands EVO
Abemec
Oldambt BV
Dutch Fodder Legumes Driers Association
CIDE (European association of fodder legumes driers)
Copa-Cogeca, work group fodder legumes
EU advisory group
Agrifirm Exlan
Cumela Section manure distribution
Manure Sales Office
Steering group project office Local Manure Processing
Nevedi work groups Cycle Management Guide
User work group Cycle Management Guide
User group Database Cycle Management Guide
RAV committee
NutriControl
NEN committee food
NEN committee animal feed
NEN committee Halal Food
Fenelab committee agrofood
Fenelab committee accreditation
VRS
Steering group reliability of laboratory testing of GMP+
Agrifirm Winkel
Agri Retail/Agrifirm Winkel
Flowering Platform
RND
BPN
Dibevo
NMF/NMD
Fagrovet
Empty barrel collection
GBM ex farm Netrecycling
Van Gansewinkel Groep
Collaboration Veldleeuwerik
Foundation
Continuation sustainable
brewing barley chain
(Heineken & Holland Malt)
Resetting soil, public-private
partnership (biological soil
remediation)
Partnership Agrometium
(Veris scan): soil analysis in
combination with job cards
for grower
Partnership sector
organisation Nefyto for using
toolbox cards for emission
limitation crop protection
agents
Public-private Partnerships
/ top sectors programmes:
PPP sustainable soil, IJkakker,
GeoNema, Soil Reset Project
Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 48 49
Feed activities
Company Animal health and animal Minerals Co-products
welfare (efficiency, manure processing,
cycles)
Climate Sustainable raw materials Safety and liveability for Food safety
(greenhouse gas emissions) (local raw materials, sustainable local residents near plants
soy, sustainable procurement)
Agrifirm Group
(excluding participating
interests)
Agrifirm Feed / AIC Smart Dairy Farming
partnership
WUR + private partners:
research into intestinal health
of piglets
LEAP partnership FAO,
FEFAC, AFIA
F4F FeedPrint WUR,
F4F partners
Agreements with carriers
about more EURO6 trucks
Promoting awareness of
European soy, WUR, ILVO
Partnership Provinces and
private partners for marketing
Dutch soy
F4F alternative proteins,
WUR, F4F partners
Chain transition responsible
soy: Sustainable Dairy Chain,
Environmental
Procurement Sustainable raw
materials: Sustainable soy grit,
sustainable soy oil RTRS,
ProTerra, Amaggi, etc.
Manure Processing
For Farmers, De Heus, ZLTO
Smart Diary Farming Partnership
partnership Belgium (lancom
and University of Louvain) for
precision feeding
Continuation of Manure
investment fund
Partnership Cycle Management
Guide
Partners with scientific and
private partners on better
availability of amino acids
partnership with private
partner for better availability
of residual flows
Establishing Secure Feed
organisation
Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 50 51
Nuscience NV
Agrifirm Deutschland
Agrifirm Polska
Agrifirm Hungary
Agrifirm co-products
Feed Belgium
Partnership with Free Uni-
versity Berlin: The effect of
functional feed ingredients on
animal health.
Partnership with private part-
ners: Fermentative upgrade of
raw materials.
Procurement of sustainable
raw materials: mostly broiler
meat non-GM
Regional based sourced
soy bean meal for specific
customers
limestone flour and
limestone granulated for feed
purpose, originally from local
mines in a continuous supply
Sourcing form local farmers
for corn, wheat, barley – all
GMO-free.
Oils and feed meal (as oil
extraction secondary
products) produced locally
Purchasing of responsible soy
via Bemefa
Partnership with private
partners: Conversion of
co-products to energy and
functional feed ingredients.
University of Antwerp:
In-vitro platform
Feed activities
Company Animal health and animal Minerals Co-products
welfare (efficiency, manure processing,
cycles)
Climate Sustainable raw materials Safety and liveability for Food safety
(greenhouse gas emissions) (local raw materials, sustainable local residents near plants
soy, sustainable procurement)
Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 52 53
Abemec BV
Oldambt BV
Agrifirm Exlan BV
Nutricontrol BV
Agrifirm Winkel BV
Partnership Grey Harrier
Foundation
Feed activities
Company Animal health and animal Minerals Co-products
welfare (efficiency, manure processing,
cycles)
Climate Sustainable raw materials Safety and liveability for Food safety
(greenhouse gas emissions) (local raw materials, sustainable local residents near plants
soy, sustainable procurement)
55Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 54
Services and sales markets
The various Agrifirm companies offer the following services:
> Agrifirm Plant: cultivation advice to members in arable farming, organic arable farming, flower bulbs, fruit growers, contract workers,
public landscaping and open-field vegetable crops.
> Agrifirm Feed: advice and assistance to members in cattle farming, dairy farming, meat cattle, goat, horse, poultry and pig
livestock farming.
> NutriControl: laboratory testing relating to nutritional issues in the feed and food industry (analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis,
microbiology, BSE monitoring and customer-specific services relating to quality assurance).
> Abemec: part of Agrimec, and supplier of agricultural mechanisation systems, also provides services relating to maintenance and
24-hour break-down service.
> Agrifirm Exlan: services relating to company development and manure legislation.
> Bonda: advice relating to storage and feeding systems in compliance with all conditions for optimal, efficient and safe use of moist
and dry animal feeds.
These services are provided by the following companies.
> Agrifirm Group
> Agrifirm Feed
> Agrifirm Plant
> Nuscience Group
> Agrifirm Co-products
> Feed Europe:
- Agrifirm Belgium
- Agrifirm Deutschland
- Agrifirm Polska
- Agrifirm Magyarorzág Zrt
> Oldambt BV
> Agrifirm Exlan
> NutriControl
> Abemec
> Agrifirm Winkel
Agrifirm companies are operating in:
The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria,
Russia, Brazil and China.
Partnerships and acquisitions
In 2014 Agrifirm further developed and specified its strategic policy lines laid down in the 2014-2016 Strategic Plan: ‘Agrifirm the Best
Company in its Market by 2016’. This has resulted in a restated vision entitled: ‘Focus and Acceleration’. The core of the strategy is a further focus
on core activities and an acceleration of various improvement processes. This will enable Agrifirm to position and develop itself in the market
with even greater focus and more decisively.
The disposal of minority interests forms part of the strategy. In 2014, this resulted in divestment of the 43 percent share in Holland Malt, a
malting company, to Bavaria. Together with Bavaria, we invested in a modern malting plant in 2003 to support brewing barley crops in the
Netherlands. The inception of Holland Malt achieved an important objective for cereal growers: the creation of long-term sales volume for
brewer’s yeast and the realisation of additional cereal storage.
In 2014, Agrifirm acquired a 100% interest in Agri Retail. This acquisition was based on using Welkoop as the only retail formula. This allows a
clear strategy to be developed for a strong Welkoop brand with the associated shops.
The Agrifirm Exlan consulting firm, together with the Agrifirm Innovation Centre and the NutriControl laboratory, forms part of the newly
formed knowledge cluster. A combination that guarantees innovation and knowledge development.
In 2014, Nuscience split its organisation into two product lines: Nutrition4U and Health4U. Both product lines have their own markets and
marketing. Nuscience’s R&D Department focuses on development of feeds for both product lines.
Eurotier: collaboration is synergy
Agrifirm is always looking for partnerships with mutual benefits. This synergy is the power of our international operations. We increasingly let
the whole world know, too. In November 2014, Agrifirm was presented at Eurotier, the largest livestock farming show in Europe, for the first
time. Agrifirm’s stand was themed with the campaign ‘In cooperation with’ and offered visitors information on our European feed activities.
Together with Bonda, we presented compound feed and by-products on the show. In both western and eastern European countries, Agrifirm
is currently developing commercial activities with jointly offering compound feed and by-products.
Collaborating on sustainable raw materials
In 2014, Agrifirm started collaborating with the Dutch Biorefinery Cluster. This platform aims to fully use organic raw materials and develop
more high-end bio-based products. Agrifirm is also active in themes such as closing mineral cycles and isolating building blocks in plants. This
way, Agrifirm aims to encourage the use of sustainable raw materials together with its partners.
Agrifirm is also active in the ‘Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform’ (SAI Platform), which aims to stimulate sustainable agriculture.
Agrifirm participates in the biodiversity committee, for example, developing methods for regional risk analyses with partners. Agrifirm uses
its knowledge of farming practices to develop practically applicable methods. This enables Agrifirm to implement sustainable procurement
policies while working on sustainable crops, processing and trading raw materials.
57Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 56
In general, land use remained stable or decreased in the various countries where Agrifirm is active. The significant decrease in land use for
broilers in the Netherlands can be explained by lower use of soy grit and higher use of corn and rapeseed. The latter two crops require a
smaller land surface. In Belgium, the land use for pigs and laying hens has decreased. This is probably due to the fact that corn, a main source
of pig feed, was mainly sourced from Ukraine in 2013. In 2014, it was sourced mainly from Belgium, France and the Netherlands, where the
crop has much higher yields.
Recycling materials
Recycling materials allows for more efficient use of raw materials. This is why Agrifirm Plant invested in recycling bulb nets in 2014. The
collected bulb nets were recycled into a base product for the plastic industry. Agrifirm Plant collected a total of 3,564 tonnes of bulb nets in
2014. Agrifirm Plant also offers growers the option of having empty jerry cans of crop protection agents, barrels and big-bags recycled. In 2014,
Agrifirm Plant received a total of 91 big-bags with a total weight of 170.75 tonnes. NutriControl also separated its different materials in 2014.
NutriControl Chemical 3,722 kg
NutriControl Plastic 920 kg
NutriControl Paper 5,174 kg
NutriControl Glass 2,225 kg
NutriControl Hospital waste 18,575 kg
NutriControl Dry feed 15,040 kg
NutriControl Residual waste 19,087 kg
Nuscience invested € 2,000 in the Vitamex and Baasrode sites to separate biodegradable waste. Agrifirm Hungary sold paper and metal waste,
saving € 1,000 in the process.
Reuse of residual products from the food industry
44.6 percent of all dry raw materials that Agrifirm processes into livestock feed consists of residual products that originate from the food
industry. These co-products are left over from the production of, for example, bread, cookies, margarine, beer and sugar. Aside from this, food
producers are faced with a large number of residual batches. These residual products, provided they are mixed to create a well-balanced
composition, are extremely well suited as raw material for animal feeds. In general, the 2014 results were comparable to those of 2013. The
percentage co-products in Agrifirm products remained stable or increased slightly compared to 2013.
Appendix 2: KPIs relating to the environment
Carbon footprint
The carbon footprint is the sum of the greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle of the animal products based on the unit kg CO2
equivalent/tonne functional unit (FU) (milk, meat or eggs). In this Corporate Sustainability Report, Agrifirm has based its carbon footprint
reporting on the FeedPrint tool developed by WUR and Blonk Environmental Advice.
Feed miles and land use
Efficient production results in a smaller environmental footprint. Efficient use of raw materials ensures that more can be produced with less. This is
why Agrifirm annually calculates the transport mileage (‘feed miles’) and the area of agricultural land (‘land use’) required for the production of
a kilogramme of milk, pig meat, poultry meat and eggs. This calculation includes all links in the chain, from the cultivation of raw materials for
animal feeds up to and including the products produced by livestock farmers. From 2015 onwards, Agrifirm performs sector reports.
Land use 2013 2014 Feedmiles 2013 2014
Pig meat 4.7 m2/ kg 3.5 m2/ kg Pig meat 5.67 km/ kg 5.38 km/ kg
Eggs 4.8 m2/ kg 2.8 m2/ kg Eggs 5.672 km/ kg 3.57 km/ kg
Poultry meat 4.9 m2/ kg 2.8 m2/ kg Poultry meat 6.185 km/ kg 3.73 km/ kg
Milk 1.2 m2/ kg 0.8 m2/ kg Milk 1.002 km/ kg 1.459 km/kg
Carbon footprint Kg Co2 eq/ton product
Land use ha/tonne fu
Pig meat Chciken meat Milk Eggs
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
LuLuc
Feed
Farm
Pigs (live weight) Laying hens (eggs) Broilers (live weight) Dairy cows (milk)
NL B
Ger Po
l
Hun N
L B
Ger Po
l
Hun N
L B
Pol
Hun N
L
Ger
0,70000,60000,50000,40000,30000,20000,1000
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Pol
Percentage per animal type 2013 2014
Dairy cattle 57.2 59.9
Pigs 37.2 37.5
Laying hens 34.6 34.6
Broilers 42.3 43.3
59Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 58
> Szamotuly showed another improvement in plant efficiency. This year, this is due to an investment in a new engine (grinder).
> The deterioration of EEI in Margonin is probably due to the increased feed meal production. This production increase was not factored into
the EEI calculation for this site as no feed meal production was made in the reference year.
> The increased attention for monitoring in Germany also showed improvement in the 2014 results.
> Hungary: in both Gyor and Kaba, the EEI scores were better last year. The pellet production increased significantly. Normally, the effect of
changes to the ratio feed meal/pellets is not factored into the EEI. However, in this case, the increased pellet production is factored in
because the production process changed. The two separate pelletizer machines were replaced with a single large-capacity pelletizer
machine with higher energy consumption. In Kaba, a large amount of wet corn was processed, so that the drier was used more in 2014.
The Bocs plant stopped production as per February 2014 and serves as a distribution centre only. This plant was removed from the table
for this reason.
> The EEI of Nuscience Baasrode deteriorated dramatically. The plant is closing in 2015, which is why Nuscience no longer invests in this
plant. The personnel was informed of the plant being closed and employment contracts were terminated. Such elements are obviously
not conducive to productivity and efficient energy consumption. Furthermore, the production shifted towards specialties.
> For NutriControl, the EEI results showed significant improvement. This is mainly due to the 2014 renovation of NutriControl’s building, as a
result of which the activity flow has been aligned much more efficiently and transparently. Furthermore, a Black Belt project was carried
out, aligning the activities for even more efficiency (adjustment of process and training). This also possibly resulted in more efficient
utilisation of the equipment.
> Within Oldambt BV, the production is mostly focused on processing lucerne (65 percent). The lucerne season is May through September.
The fine weather conditions allowed for pre-drying the lucerne on the land. This means the lucerne had a lower moisture content upon
intake, which allowed Oldambt BV to improve its EEI. Naturally, this is classed as a one-off seasonal effect.
> In Opeinde, another seasonal effect is visible, this time relating to grass drying. In the period of the fresh grass having a low dry dust
content (late April/May, October and even November), a lot of grass was dried for livestock farmers. The wet period had a favourable effect
on the harvest of grass until late in fall, but the moisture content of the grass was above average upon intake. In April and November, grass
drying is rare. The grass was longer and more moist during harvesting, which resulted in additional fuel being required for each tonne of
dried product.
In Germany, the use of co-products in feeds increased. In cattle feeds, the use of co-products increased compared to 2013. In 2013, Agrifirm
incurred a decrease in the use of citrus pulp.
NL B
Ger Po
l
Hun N
L B
Ger Po
l
Hun N
L B
Pol
Hun N
L
Ger
90,080,070,060,050,040,030,020,010,0
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Pol
Co-products (%)
Energy efficiency index
Agrifirm Feed
Dra
chte
n
Emm
en
Mep
pel
Oss
Veg
hel
Wan
sum
Zwol
le
Gro
bben
donk
Mar
gon
in
Szam
otu
ly
Top
ola
Neu
ss
Kab
a
Gyo
r
Bocs
Dro
ng
en
Baas
rod
e
Veg
hel
Old
amb
t
Op
ein
de
200180160140120100
80604020
0
2010 2011 2012 2013
AgrifirmBelgium
AgrifirmDeutschlandAgrifirm Polska
Agrifirm Magyarország Zrt.
Nutri-Control BV OldambtNuscience Group
2014
> When comparing 2013 and 2014, we can see decreased EEI (improvement) in some sites, and increased EEI (worse) in others.
> Since 2013, Agrifirm Feed has factored in the results before EEI calculations in the EEI calculations. The reference year is 2011. In Emmen,
the EEI had decreased due to closing the plant in October 2014. Drachten shows another improvement in efficiency, the effect of the
renovated steam boiler. Also, this plant’s capacity was increased. The plant is producing at full speed after taking over some of Emmen’s
production. This is a factor in the EEI calculation. Oss also took over part of Emmen’s production, but shows a deterioration of the EEI. This
is explained by the extra energy required in the production process to improve the quality of the pellet (pellet consistency). We have no
direct explanation for the improved EEI in Wanssum.
> Grobbendonk’s EEI shows a slight deterioration compared to last year.
2014 compared with reference year
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Dra
chte
n
Agrifirm Feed Belgium Poland Germany Hungary NuscienceNutri-
Control Oldambt
Emm
en
Mep
pel
Oss
Vegh
el
Wan
ssum
Zwol
le
Gro
bb
endo
nk
Mar
goni
n
Szam
otul
y
Top
ola
Neu
ss
Kab
a
Gyo
r
Bocs
Dro
ngen
Baas
rode
Vegh
el
Old
amb
t
Op
eind
e
Pigs (live weight) Laying hens (eggs) Broilers (live weight) Dairy cows (milk)
61Agrifirm 2014 Corporate Sustainability Report 60
Appendix 4: Sustainability labels
Sustainability labels for feed concepts and products
In 2014, Agrifirm was the first animal feed company to develop sustainability labels for feed concepts and products. The sustainability labels
offer both members and customers specific information on sustainability performance of our feed concepts and products for cattle, poultry
and pigs. This gives our members and customers insight into the impact they can realise with the feed concept or product, and assists them in
producing feed in a profitable and sustainable way.
Together with Blonk Consultants, an environmental consultancy firm, Agrifirm developed a method for calculating the underlying
sustainability indicators for the sustainability labels in 2014. This was set out in a protocol. Six indicators were determined for the five labels.
Label: Mineral efficiency
> Indicator: Nitrogen efficiency
> Indicator: Phosphate efficiency
Label: Animal health
This label offers qualitative information only
as animal health is difficult to capture in statistics.
Label: Climate
> Indicator: Carbon Footprint
Label: Recycling
> Indicator: % Co-products
Label: Sustainable Raw Materials
> Indicator: Land Use
Improvement percentage and impact score
The sustainability label lists the indicator on which the theme is measured and a short description of the sustainability effect of the feed
concept or product. This effect is presented in the bottom of the label with an improvement percentage. The impact of the percentage
increase or decrease is expressed with one of three scores: substantial, high or very high (in a positive or negative sense) If the impact is
negligible, the score is ‘neutral’. For each indicator, the lower limit for the score ‘substantial’ was determined using a literature study.
This requires significant improvement compared with a reference situation. These scores are always summarised in a fact sheet for
the sustainability performance of a feed concept or product. All published fact sheets are available from the sustainability page of the
Agrifirm website.
The impact scores substantial, high or very high thus indicate the importance of the percentage increase or reduction on the sustainability
label. After all, the score on one label is easier to influence than the score on another. This is due to the range of measures and the challenge
of implementing measures to realise an improvement on the label. In order to use a sustainability label, the sum of the indicators of a feed
concept or product must always be positive. Only indicators with a positive score may be issued with a sustainability label. This analysis is
set out in the protocol of the sustainability labels. This protocol is available from the sustainability page of the Agrifirm website.
Appendix 3: KPIs relating to the employee benefits and human rights
Codes and regulations
Agrifirm voluntarily abides by the Netherlands Corporate Governance Code. This code is mandatory for companies listed on the stock
exchange and contains principles and provisions that regulate the relationship between the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board,
shareholders and the General Meeting of Shareholders. In the case of Agrifirm, the code has been adapted so as to provide a proper fit with its
cooperative character. Furthermore, the company has a Fair Business Practices code of conduct. This code of conduct is a guideline designed
to promote conscious and ethical actions under all circumstances. For example in situations involving a conflict of interest or competitive
methods. Employees who report abuse are protected by the Whistle-blowing Regulation. In 2014 there were no reports concerning
corruption or discrimination submitted pursuant to these regulations.
Collective labour agreements on notice of termination
In collective labour agreements, Agrifirm sets out that employees on temporary and permanent contracts are subject to a notice period from
the employer up to 13 weeks, and from the employee up to 6 weeks. This depends on the employment contract term and the employment
conditions.
Sector campaign ‘Flanders’ Pride’
In April 2014, Agrifirm started its ‘In cooperation with’ campaign. This campaign demonstrates what Agrifirm is proud of: the entrepreneurs
who work with passion and dedication to produce the most magnificent products. This campaign was also used in Belgium. Bulk lorries were
showing truck-wide quality products and the proud Flemish livestock farmers and growers to a broad audience.
Young Employees, Young Potentials
The ‘Young Employees Agrifirm’ (YEA) consists of higher-educated employees up to the age of 35 who regularly meet to take courses
and expand their network. This year, a conference of several days took place in Poland. The conference theme was leadership roles and
organisation culture. In late 2014, the second conference was held in Amsterdam to discuss trend developments and opportunities for
Agrifirm. Agrifirm Winkel BV has its own version: the Young Potentials Programme.
Working Together on Success III
In 2014, Agrifirm organised another edition of Working Together on Success for three target groups. The field representatives attended
workshops relating to the theme ‘Commercially Stronger’, centring on interview techniques and presenting the customer relationship. For
the managers, the programme focused on preparing a personal action plan for achieving strategic and company objectives. All employees of
Agrifirm Feed participated in the programme ‘I & My Team’, highlighting personal development. X employees participated in Working Together
on Success in 2014.
Participating in sports at Agrifirm
Playing sports is good for one’s health and a fun way to get to know colleagues better. This is why Agrifirm organises several sporting events
each year.
Sponsoring
Contributing to an agricultural powerhouse and a sound society is important to Agrifirm. This is why we sponsored various initiatives at home
and abroad. For example, Agrifirm Feed sponsored study meetings and LTO Netherlands in 2014 to an amount of € 77,000. Agrifirm Plant
and Agrifirm Co-products sponsored a ZOA project in Burundi to an amount of € 20,000. Agrifirm Poland and Hungary also sponsored social
initiatives to amounts of € 1,500 and € 3,500 respectively. Oldambt BV sponsored landscaping and biodiversity to an amount of € 2,500.
(Factsheet)
schakel in succes
Duurzaamheidslabels voor verantwoorde keuzeNegen miljard mensen voorzien van gezond en
duurzaam voedsel. Dat is de grote uitdaging waar de
wereld voor staat. Agrifirm helpt leden en klanten
om op een rendabele en duurzame manier voedsel te
produceren. Als eerste diervoederbedrijf kiest Agrifirm
voor duurzaamheidslabels voor voeders en concepten.
De labels zijn bedoeld om inzicht te geven in de
duurzaamheidsprestaties van het concept of product.
DuurzaamheiDsprestaties van sOLiQ
Vijf labelsEr zijn vijf labels: mineralenefficiëntie, diergezondheid,
klimaat, recycling en verduurzaming grondstoffen.
Elk label heeft een eigen symbool en geeft concrete
informatie over de duurzaamheidsprestaties van uw
voerconcept of product. Zo helpen we u een volgende
stap te zetten naar een duurzame voedselvoorziening.
Hieronder vindt u de duurzaamheidsprestaties van SOLIQ.
Voor elk duurzaamheidslabel geldt een andere schaalverdeling. U vindt deze op de laatste pagina van deze factsheet.
Legenda:negatieve impact Neutraal positieve impact
7,3%
Het landgebruik per ei melk
daalt met 7,3%, mede door de
aanzienlijke stijging van het
aandeel van co-producten.
Landgebruik
Landgebruik
Reductie
Verduurzaminggrondstoffen
11%
SOLIQ bevat 11% meer
co-producten dan gangbaar
pluimveevoer.
Recycling
Co-producten
Co-producten
Reductie
5,0%
Doordat soja wordt vervangen
voor een vergelijkbaar deel
co-producten, bereikt u met
SOLIQ een hoge reductie van
klimaatemissies per kg ei.
Klimaat
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Reductie
Door een vlotte en uniforme
voeropname is de gezondheids-
toestand van het koppel veel
stabieler en is er minder uitval.
Dier-gezondheid
Gezondheidseffect
Op het gebeid van mineralen-
efficiëntie zijn er geen
aanzienlijke veranderingen te
verwachten.
Mineralen-efficiëntie
0,4% 0,5%
N efficiëntie
N en P efficiëntie
P efficiëntie
N efficiëntie P efficiëntie
sOLiQ
ReductieVerhoging
(Factsheet)
schakel in succes
Duurzaamheidslabels voor verantwoorde keuzeNegen miljard mensen voorzien van gezond enduurzaam voedsel. Dat is de grote uitdaging waar dewereld voor staat. Agrifirm helpt leden en klantenom op een rendabele en duurzame manier voedsel teproduceren. Als eerste diervoederbedrijf kiest Agrifirmvoor duurzaamheidslabels voor voeders en concepten.De labels zijn bedoeld om inzicht te geven in deduurzaamheidsprestaties van het concept of product.
DuurzaamheiDsprestaties van Line-upVijf labelsEr zijn vijf labels: mineralenefficiëntie, diergezondheid, klimaat, recycling en verduurzaming grondstoffen. Elk label heeft een eigen symbool en geeft concrete informatie over de duurzaamheidsprestaties van uw voerconcept of product. Zo helpen we u een volgende stap te zetten naar een duurzame voedselvoorziening. Hieronder vindt u de duurzaamheidsprestaties van Line-Up.
Voor elk duurzaamheidslabel geldt een andere schaalverdeling. U vindt deze op de laatste pagina van deze factsheet.Legenda:
negatieve impact Neutraal positieve impact
4,8%
Het landgebruik (m2) per kg vleeskuiken daalt met 4,8% wanneer Line-Up wordt toegepast.
Landgebruik
Landgebruik
Reductie
Verduurzaminggrondstoffen
1,1%
Binnen Line-Up is het aandeel co-producten zeer licht gestegen met 1,1%.
Recycling
Co-producten
Co-producten
Verhoging
0,1%
De carbon footprint is zo goed als onveranderd.
Klimaat
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Verhoging
In de Line-Up proeven op Laverdonk werden de voetzoolleasies aanzienlijk teruggebracht.
Dier-gezondheid
Gezondheidseffect
Op basis van de voerproef zijn de stikstofefficiëntie en fosfaatefficiëntie met respectievelijk 1,6% en 2,5% iets verslechterd. Deze ver-slechtering was echter niet significant in de dierproef.
Mineralen-efficiëntie
1,6% 2,5%
N efficiëntie
N en P efficiëntie
P efficiëntie
Reductie
N efficiëntie P efficiëntie
Line-up