For a long time, people thought black swans didn’t exist. Swans are supposed to be white. But people were wrong. Black swans do exist.
In 2008, the economist, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, introduced the ‘black swan’ as a metaphor for situations that are completely inconceivable. Events that occur all the same and subsequently have gigantic effects. Pandemics have occurred before to a greater or lesser extent, and while the global COVID-19 pandemic may not have been a true black swan, the impact of COVID-19 has certainly been unprecedented. An unpredictable economic crisis, lockdowns and a ‘one-and-a-half-metre-society’. What was inconceivable at the beginning of 2020 is now called the new normal. The VanDrie Group was deeply affected by the impact of COVID-19: colleagues who became ill and one who passed away, major market disruptions, brief shutdowns of companies and lots of uncertainty. All in all, it is a difficult time to cope with even more challenges,
as in addition to COVID-19, Europe is also facing a far-reaching climate transition. Nitrogen emissions need to be reduced in the Netherlands. The belief is that agriculture and food production need to be more sustainable. In spite of the uncertain prospects as a result of COVID-19, we are expressing the aim to work on those challenges, together with our partners. For the coming years, we have many ambitions to make our activities even better with as little negative impact as possible. This is an expensive mission in which support is necessary from all corners and from all our stakeholders. Together, we can make a sustainable livestock farming industry.
As far as we are concerned, we are fully committed to innovation to achieve this goal. That is why the VanDrie Group opened the Drieveld research centre in 2020 –the epicentre of the VanDrie Group that serves to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable livestock farming. In Drieveld, we make the transition from external developments to internal innovation. The research carried out there focuses, for example, on smart farming, the use of alternative raw materials for feeds, reducing emissions through feeds or improving animal health. We conduct research into the calf husbandry and dairy farm. In this way, we are building bridges between sectors,
as in addition to COVID-19, Europe is also facing a far-reaching climate transition. Nitrogen emissions need to be reduced in the Netherlands. The belief is that agriculture and food production need to be more sustainable.
We believe that our chain is our strength. We make beautiful products based on our passion, whether that is veal or beef, or raw dairy materials, calf skins or animal feed. We are continuously improving our company with inspired innovations and a fresh perspective on the future. That ambition is in line with our origins as family-run company and with our values. The VanDrie Group seeks to meet the highest standards, not only now, but also in the future. We are inextricably linked to society and the European agricultural sector. We share ideas and contribute. Not only with empty phrases, but with tangible impact.
All those ambitions that we have can only be fulfilled with the efforts of our employees and cooperation partners. The VanDrie Group is a diverse organisation. We think it is important that everyone feels at home and can do his or her work safely. We are proud that we weathered 2020 due to the unwavering resilience and focus on results of our employees, veal farmers, suppliers and customers. Everyone’s commitment, flexibility and expertise are sorely needed in the coming year too.
Do you want to know more about our results in 2020 and our ambitions for the coming years? You will read more about that in this CSR report. If you have any questions or comments about this CSR report, please send them to us via contact@vandriegroup.com.
I hope you enjoy reading this report.
Marijke Everts
Director Corporate Affairs
28 June 2021