Patty, can you briefly explain what the program Future-proof farming is all about
"With our strategic initiative Future-proof farming, we support dairy farmers in making their farms more sustainable, while also responding to the increasing demand from customers for responsibly produced dairy products. In 2022, we started the Tomorrow’s Dairy program together with our customer Nestlé. The insights and experience we’ve gained form a strong foundation for the next step: scaling up through Future-proof farming."
How does Future-proof farming support the customers sustainability goals?
"Future-proof farming directly contributes to Scope 3 carbon reduction targets: a key priority for companies working to strengthen their sustainability profile. The program is flexible and can be adapted to fit specific corporate goals, making it easier to build a transparent and responsible supply chain. Our Future-proof farming team brings years of experience in designing and scaling effective sustainability programs."
"We're not just talking about future-proof farming. We're making it happen, together."
Patty Penterman
What makes Future-proof farming unique?
"The strength of Future-proof farming lies in its collaborative and tailored approach. We provide expert guidance throughout the process. We help dairy farmers create a tailored sustainability plan, evaluate progress annually, and offer practical tools and training. For example, we focus on Good Agricultural Practices, roughage optimization, grass-clover cultivation, all of which contribute to healthier ecosystems and more resilient farms. The goal? To reduce greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging regenerative farming that supports clean water, healthy soils, biodiversity, and animal welfare."
How do you measure progress and impact?
"We use a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track contributions to sustainability goals. Farmers who meet these targets receive a premium. The program is backed by scientific data and methodologies from Low Carbon Dairy, ensuring that our impact is both measurable and meaningful."
What’s your personal motivation behind leading this project?
"It’s inspiring to see how motivated dairy farmers are to explore what sustainability means for their own farm, and to take action. With this initiative, we aim to involve more customers in supporting the farmers behind their products, helping them take meaningful steps toward more sustainable farming.
I believe in the power of collaboration and practical action. We’re not just talking about future-proof farming. We’re making it happen, together."
About Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods
Since 1954, we have operated as a Dutch family business in the dairy sector. Every day, we work hard to make all the goodness of milk available to people around the world. We specialize in milk powder, with four production sites in Gorinchem, Scharsterbrug, Barneveld, and Putten, a head office in Nijkerk, and a commercial office in Madrid (Spain). Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods processes 1.5 billion kilograms of milk into high-quality nutritional products and ingredients, which we export to 130 countries. Our ingredients for the food industry are mainly sold in Europe. Consumer milk powder is primarily exported to Africa and the Middle East. Our more specific applications make their way to the Asian market. Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods employs over 500 people and has an annual turnover of approximately €1.1 billion.
