New series of debates: 'Can innovation save the Frisian farmer?'

Could innovation save the Frisian farmer? This is the central theme of the series of debates organised by the Agricultural Working Group of the Fryske Akademy together with the Fries Landbouwmuseum (Frisian Agricultural Museum) in the autumn and winter period 2024/2025. The first debate will take place on Thursday 17 October. Then Peter de Jong, lecturer in sustainable dairy and food processing at Van Hall Larenstein, will talk to director Tjeerd Jongsma of the Fascinating test and innovation programme and a number of farmers.

The Agricultural Working Group, part of the Fryske Akademy, is a platform for citizen science and a meeting place between science and society. While the previous series of debates focused on food production, this season the discussions are about the innovations agrofood needs as a means to keep perspective (2040). What innovations are being developed and how do these innovations influence perspective? What do they contribute to the social tasks and will they be accepted by everyone?

Debates

On Thursday 17 October 2024 at 19:30, the debate at the Fries Landbouwmuseum in Leeuwarden will focus on the transition of food as the key to innovation. Peter de Jong, lecturer in sustainable dairy and food processing at Van Hall Larenstein, will focus on whether the dairy sector can survive without innovation. After his presentation, De Jong will enter into a discussion with a panel, including Tjeerd Jongsma, director of Food Agro Sustainable Circular Nature Technology (Fascinating) in Groningen, and a number of farmers. The meeting will be led by Jan Klink, programme leader AgroAgenda Noord-Nederland.

On Thursday 21 November 2024, Frank Verhoeven, founder and director of Boerenverstand Consultancy, will talk about applying management innovations for future-proof agriculture.

On Thursday 23 January 2025, Jan Huitema will be the keynote speaker. He is a dairy farmer, was previously a member of the European Parliament, and he links the central question to the contribution to be expected from the Dutch government and the EU.

On Saturday 25 March 2025, Hans Huistra, CEO of HZPC, is invited and he will talk about the global food supply and what innovations are needed for Dutch business to remain active in that international market.

About the Agricultural Working Group

The Agricultural Working Group of the Fryske Akademy organises debates and excursions with a focus on agronomic issues of the past and present. The aim of these activities is to share (scientific) knowledge with a wide audience. The Agricultural Working Group was founded in 1941 and works closely with the Fries Landbouwmuseum in Leeuwarden.

Practical information

Walk-in at the Fries Landbouwmuseum is from 19:00, the start is at 19:30. The entrance fee is €8,- (museum admission). Admission is free for holders of a Museumjaarkaart and for donors of the Fryske Akademy and/or the Fries Landbouwmuseum. It is possible to become a donor on the evening itself.

More information

- Agricultural Working Group
- Fries Landbouwmuseum
- Fries Landbouwmuseum - ticket sales