Part of the pack

One of these was the FEFAC-Nevedi joint annual meeting. Topics of discussion during the exhibition and this feed meeting were the challenges the (EU) feed sector is dealing with at the moment. And how to ensure ‘producing sustainably’ stays top of mind in these difficult times following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Challenges in the feed industry

What stayed with me are the number of huge challenges that were presented. To sum up some of these:

• the high prices of raw materials,

• the EU dependence on feed additive imports,

• the affordability of feed and

• the perspectives for farmers: how to make sure that they are still able to make a living.

Then there are the sustainability issues:

• the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,

• how to ensure circularity and innovation (e.g., with new feed proteins).

Working towards green production

​This all got me wondering if it is even possible to set up a more sustainable production now with everything going on. But listening to all the speakers during the FEFAC conference I noticed a change with years ago, sustainability is no longer something imposed, it is part of the pack. Also in difficult times, the feed industry keeps working towards a more green production.

FEFAC President Asbjørn Børsting and Henk Flipsen, Nevedi Director, both stated that their members remain fully committed to the sustainability goals and will continue to invest in innovations and solutions. Flipsen: “Key is to keep exchanging information with each other, information that is substantiated by science.”

All the better that we can meet in person again.