The Netherlands at a glance


Pig farming in the Netherlands is considered to be one of the most advanced in the world. This is likely because of the fact that on a surface identical to Tennessee (42,000 km²), almost 17 million people as well as over 12,000,000 pigs live. Scarcity of space and a critical population have led to an innovative industry, which steered the country to being amongst the first to discuss themes like antibiotics usage, stocking density, air quality and biosecuri- ty. Animal welfare is also an ongoing topic. The Dutch live- stock chain has set up a quality control sys- tem, marking meat in retail shops with 1, 2 or 3 stars, depending on the quality of life an animal had during its life.


THE NETHERLANDS pulated country. Neighbours are never far off.


premises meet too many hurdles or because of financial diffi- culties. The total number of pigs hasn’t decreased to the same degree, because the surviving farms have more animals, with an average herd size of approximately 2,500 pigs now com- pared to just 900 in 2000.


Negative return on investment The Action Plan signals that the pig farmer is the only player in the whole chain who has a negative return-on-investment. Implementation of the plan should lead to a yield of 6-8% in 2020: “It’s not a question of: producing more or less, it’s a ques- tion of: producing better and differently.” That means at least four things: • Better meeting the changing demands of consumers; • A more sustainable production; • A solution for the many empty pig houses in the country; and • Causing less nuisance for the surrounding area, an increas- ingly difficult problem in a small and densely populated coun- try like the Netherlands. In order to meet those challenges, pig farmers should first and foremost cooperate more with each other. Again, a suggestion from the Action Plan: “The days of ‘do as you please’ and indi- vidualism are over.” Collectives have to focus on improving their market position, working closely together with other partners in the chain based on existing quality guarantee systems like a Chain Quality System (CQS) called ‘Holland Varken’ (Dutch Pork). To quote the Action Plan: “This will enable them to respond better to consumer demands both in the Netherlands and abroad. Guaranteed quality, diversity, distinctiveness and continuity are the key concepts.”


Processing and adding value Other cooperative organisations can focus on processing and adding value to manure. The Action Plan states: “It is neces- sary to significantly lower the marketing costs of manure. Pig farmers must take the lead and aim for complete manure pro- cessing.” The report refers to similar developments already tak- ing place in the Dutch poultry sector. The Action Plan also advises to improve the image of the pig industry. “The sector’s positive features, the safe and innovative production methods, and the quality of Dutch pork will be emphasised in information and promotion campaigns aimed at stakeholders, partners, buyers and end consumers. Dutch pork will be distinctively positioned as a reliable, high-quality prod- uct. This will create a more positive image of the sector in gen- eral, both among stakeholders and consumers in the Netherlands and abroad.” This all should lead to a drastic improvement of the financial position for pig farmers. The Action Plan: “Together with the chain partners, a balanced revenue model will be devel- oped whereby customers are prepared to pay a fair price for a good product.”


Funds to assist pig farming To help the sector to achieve this, a Sustainability and Quality Fund will be set up by Rabobank and the POV. This fund will enable pig farmers to finance changes to their production methods. Rabobank and POV will also start a so-called ‘Pig Production Revitalisation Company’, which will be open for other parties to join. Its task is to assist owners of viable companies to fur- ther develop their business but also to close down businesses with poor future prospects.


PIG PROGRESS VOLUME 32, No. 6, 2016 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28