The beautiful town of Arbon, Switzerland, witnessed a significant event recently – the grand opening of Nutreco’s Garden of the Future. This cutting-edge facility is at the forefront of phytotechnology, aimed at revolutionising plant-powered feed solutions for the livestock and aquaculture industries. With a focus on sustainable and natural solutions, the facility represents a new chapter in the quest for innovative animal nutrition.
CEO David Blakemore set the tone for the programme by highlighting the importance of harnessing the power of plants. He emphasised the collaborative efforts of the team at the Garden of the Future in creating solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges. The ultimate goal, according to Blakemore, is to “Feed the Future” through innovative products developed at the facility.
The Garden of the Future, under the leadership of director Bernd Büter, boasts a 500 sqm experimental greenhouse for plant breeding and propagation, as well as approximately 30 ha of cultivation grounds. This dedicated space serves as a hub for showcasing novel plant species developed at the facility, driving progress in sustainable and natural feed solutions.
One of the key themes discussed during the event was the necessity to address the growing global population’s demand for animal protein. Remco van Reenen, managing director of Nutreco’s livestock feed business line, underscored the need to maximise the genetic potential of animals and reduce waste in the value chain. By enhancing efficiency and sustainability in animal protein production, the industry can meet the increasing demand while minimising environmental impact.
In a thought-provoking statement, Eduardo Lopes Alberto, CEO of Trouw Nutrition, highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving progress. As the industry faces complex challenges, the integration of new ideas and approaches becomes essential for sustainable growth and development.
Phyto Valley director, Andreas Bleiker, shed light on the strategic objectives of the Phyto Valley community, which focuses on harnessing the beneficial properties of nature in health, sustainability, and innovation. The emphasis on multi-substance solutions and the diverse therapeutic potential of natural products underscores the importance of exploring nature’s rich resources to address evolving health challenges.
Dr David Bravo, chief science officer of Nutreco Exploration, delved into the intricate world of plant chemistry and genetic diversity. The concept of ‘plant genius’ highlights the vast potential of plants as sources of valuable bioactive molecules. By understanding and leveraging the complexity of plant metabolism, researchers can unlock novel solutions for industry challenges, paving the way for sustainable feed solutions.
The workshops held as part of the programme provided deep insights into the innovative processes at the Garden of the Future. Discussions on co-development of market solutions, phytochemistry, and end-to-end supply chain management underscored the holistic approach taken by Nutreco in delivering cutting-edge plant-powered feed solutions. The integration of proprietary algorithms and advanced cultivation techniques ensures the quality, consistency, and sustainability of plant products produced at the facility.
In his closing remarks, David Blakemore reiterated the transformative nature of the Garden of the Future. The facility represents a new frontier in sustainable animal nutrition, driven by innovation and collaboration. As the challenges of the future loom large, the industry looks to initiatives like the Garden of the Future to lead the way in sustainable and natural feed solutions.
The unveiling of the Garden of the Future marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable animal nutrition solutions. With a focus on harnessing the power of plants and embracing complexity in the natural world, Nutreco’s innovative facility is poised to shape the future of the livestock and aquaculture industries. As we navigate the challenges of feeding a growing global population, initiatives like the Garden of the Future provide a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and resilient future.
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