A group of Brabant farmers who grow raw materials for biobased building materials are uniting in the new Growers Cooperative. According to the initiators, the establishment of this cooperative focused on biobased crops is a first in the Netherlands.
"This sustainable way of growing can become an alternative revenue model for many agricultural entrepreneurs," says board member and farmer John Verberne of the Growers Cooperative. 'Until then, we still have some challenges to overcome. That cannot be done alone. We need each other for that.' Rabobank Oost-Brabant writes in a news item about the new cooperative. The local bank supports the initiative and calls it a contribution to the future-proof food and agri sector.
Verberne explains that the cooperative originated from the South-East Brabant Renovates Naturally Together partnership. Arable farmers, contractors, construction companies and housing associations involved in biobased construction are involved. 'As growers, it is better to unite to reach agreements with, for example, the construction sector, but also to learn from each other and buy or sell together.'
Fourteen farmers are already members of the Growers Cooperative. Last year they all grew different biobased crops, intended for the construction sector. Regarding the role of the cooperative in making price agreements with buyers, Hans Hunnekens, account manager at Rabobank Large Business Food & Agri, says that this is special. 'It gives farmers in this new chain the opportunity to create a stronger position for themselves.'
Source: Nieuweoogst.nl
