Green colleges join forces in research on sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry

The four Dutch green colleges will jointly conduct practice-oriented research over the next 4 years to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry. The first 3 projects will start in September. These researches are about reducing mortality of young animals, better visibility of sustainable production to consumers and better soil management with more carbon sequestration. The four green colleges are: Aeres Hogeschool, Van Hall Larenstein Hogeschool, InHolland Hogeschool and HAS Hogeschool.

Good complement to each other

Minister Carola Schouten: "The green colleges can make a major contribution to the transition of the agricultural sector in the coming years. By conducting practice-oriented research in cooperation with existing entrepreneurs, they can ensure a change among those entrepreneurs in the short term." The research will be done with various partners, including individual SME entrepreneurs, Wageningen Research and various industry associations. Because the colleges seek cooperation during studies, they make use of each other's expertise.

Sustainable livestock farming and soil management

Several entrepreneurs, LTO Nederland, Dierenbescherming and consumer organization Stichting Groene Waar are starting two studies together. One study focuses on preventive measures for livestock farmers to optimize animal health and reduce mortality among young animals. The second study concerns the possibility of measuring and marketing sustainability on a farm. In this way, business buyers and consumers can make a conscious choice for a sustainable product.

The colleges would like entrepreneurs to choose climate-resilient cultivation, such as good water management, preserving and increasing biodiversity and carbon sequestration. By pooling and sharing knowledge, it makes it easier for entrepreneurs to make a choice. Partners in this research include the Netherlands Institute for Ecology, industry association Arable Farming and the Royal General Association for Flower Bulb Culture.

Source: HAS University of Applied Sciences