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Sustainable arable farming

Systematically working on sustainability solutions

The Veldleeuwerik project ('Project Skylark') (2002-2010) was aimed at increasing the sustainability of arable farms and production chains. The Louis Bolk Institute assisted more than 60 arable farmers, farming consultants and processing companies in developing sustainable arable production systems in the Flevopolder. The project was funded by Heineken International, the province of Flevoland and the Skylark Foundation.

Sustainability clearly increased

For the arable farmers, processing companies and other parties in the production chain the most important result of this project is the unequivocal increase in sustainability. To assess this increase we worked with internationally recognized sustainability indicators and criteria such as soil fertility, nutrients, crop protection, biodiversity and product value. Environment-friendlier farming methods, more stable yields and improved farm economic results are the final results of this project.

Practical tools and clear methodology

With our practical tools farmers can continue to evaluate the sustainability of their production systems after completion of the project. For example, with our Soil scan' farmers can assess the sustainability of soil management methods and the status of biodiversity in their soils. With our Ndicea-nitrogen planner farmers can evaluate their fertilizer use. In addition to these practical tools we have also worked out a clear methodology to keep improving sustainability in the long run.

Collaboration within the entire production chain

For this project we worked with a broad range of parties, including Suiker Unie, Heineken International, Agrifirm, McCain, Unilever, Centre for Agriculture and Environment CLM, and MozaID Agri Chain Consultancy.

For more information on the Skylark project please contact Chris Koopmans.