Case study: Skylark project
“Sustainable farming is a mentality.
I think about it constantly.”
Aard Robaard Arable farmer, Dronten, the Netherlands
Skylark project – working in partnership to develop sustainable barley production
Heineken is committed to sustainability. For us, this extends beyond our breweries to include the raw materials and ingredients we use. In 2002, we teamed up with the Agrarische Unie (a Dutch supplier of seeds, pesticides and fertilisers) to explore the possibilities of sustainable barley cultivation, working with arable farmers from Flevoland in the Netherlands. Initially, just ten farmers were involved in the project, which was designed to define what ‘sustainability’ really involves. The conclusion reached was that sustainability cannot be limited to just one crop: it must cover the whole rotation plan for arable crops.
In 2006, building on successes achieved over the previous three years, 50 new growers joined the project as ‘Friends in Rotation’ and they became members of the Skylark Association, along with other participants, including Cargill, CSM, Gebroeders Van Liere, Suikerunie, McCain and Unilever as well as Heineken.
Through Skylark, participants contribute different skills and strengths. Some work together to define objectives and set goals for the venture, others, including specialists from CLM, the Louis Bolk Institute and Mozai.D, provide expert advice about soil fertility, fertilisation, crop protection and other issues. Useful training courses are also offered to participating farmers. Feedback from those involved has been extremely positive. Louis Nannes from the Agrarische Unie comments: “This is the best project I have ever worked on. Sustainable cultivation ultimately provides the best returns and our members understand this.” Piet Van Liere from Gebroeders Van Liere is equally positive: “It’s extraordinary that Heineken has taken the initiative in promoting sustainable cultivation from the grass roots up.”