"Sustainable farming is a mentality.
I think about it constantly."
21
Skylark project
Aard Robaard
Arable farmer
Dronten, the Netherlands
key importance to reach a healthy and sustainable
supply chain. We will continue to support this by
participating in joint development projects with
malting companies in countries where we operate.
We maintain strict quality criteria for raw materials
and have further enhanced our control and
assurance systems. We continue the strict
monitoring of raw materials to assure compliance
with our non-GMO policy.
With regard to the sustainability of barley growing,
our key approach is to use the ten indicators on
sustainable agriculture (as defined in our Skylark
project) as the foundation for sustainable
development. These indicators cover the
sustainability of the farm management and include
the local economy, biodiversity, energy and water
usage as well as fertiliser and pesticide usage.
The main driver is soil health and soil fertility.
This approach respects the independence
of the farmer and recognises that sustainable
agriculture can only exist in an economically
viable farming business.
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 Fleineken.
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."
Heineken N.V. Sustainability Report 2007
