Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Explaining regional cooperation between arable and dairy farmers in the Netherlands (Network: the Netherlands | WU)

Explaining regional cooperation between arable and dairy farmers in the Netherlands (Network: the Netherlands | WU)

The MIXED network in the Netherlands has focused on collaboration between dairy and arable farmers in the northeast of the Netherlands (province of Drenthe). In one case four farmers collaborate, and in another it is two farms. The farmers have been interested in how to:
1. improve their rotations through establishing a joint rotation system;
2. explore the degree of circularity in the region and how they could improve this through collaboration between farms; and 
3. quantify impacts of cooperation in terms of economy as well as soil quality.

Working with the farmers on these topics resulted in the following experiences and lessons learned: 
1. In this region, the sandy soils are relatively poor. Creating joint rotation schemes enables soils to recover. Joint rotation also enables to include grassland as part of the rotation. This improves the quality of grass. 
2. Exploring the degree of circularity in the region increases awareness about the value of regional cooperation. Calculations can for instance be done with regard to fodder crops and manure.  
3. Quantifying impacts of cooperation in terms of economy as well as soil quality gives a basis to agree on mutual payments (if any) and land exchange ratios. 
In addition to the above farmers also see benefits in cooperation regarding other resources, such as contract work.

The MIXED network in the Netherlands has focused on collaboration between dairy and arable farmers in the northeast of the Netherlands (province of Drenthe). In one case four farmers collaborate, and in another it is two farms. The farmers have been interested in how to:
1. improve their rotations through establishing a joint rotation system;
2. explore the degree of circularity in the region and how they could improve this through collaboration between farms; and 
3. quantify impacts of cooperation in terms of economy as well as soil quality.

Working with the farmers on these topics resulted in the following experiences and lessons learned: 
1. In this region, the sandy soils are relatively poor. Creating joint rotation schemes enables soils to recover. Joint rotation also enables to include grassland as part of the rotation. This improves the quality of grass. 
2. Exploring the degree of circularity in the region increases awareness about the value of regional cooperation. Calculations can for instance be done with regard to fodder crops and manure.  
3. Quantifying impacts of cooperation in terms of economy as well as soil quality gives a basis to agree on mutual payments (if any) and land exchange ratios. 
In addition to the above farmers also see benefits in cooperation regarding other resources, such as contract work.

Source Project
MIXED - Multi-actor and transdisciplinary development of efficient and resilient MIXED farming and agroforestry systems
Ongoing | 2020-2025
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark
Project details

Project Keywords