Dear reader,
"One of our strongest weapons is dialogue." With these powerful words, Nelson Mandela – South African lawyer, politician and anti-apartheid activist (1918-2013) – underlined the importance of listening, speaking and working together. In an increasingly complex world, in which major social and environmental challenges are converging, where wars are taking place on the borders of our European Union, real dialogue is perhaps more important than ever.
Within the agri-food sector, we notice on a daily basis how necessary it is to work together. Farmers, citizens, policymakers, businesses – each with their own responsibility, but also with a shared interest: future-proof food production chains. Chains that ensure food security and sovereignty – themes long taken for granted in Europe. Right now, we have to conclude that even Dutch policy makers often fail to realise sufficiently how big an impact ideology-driven policies can have on those certainties. While global food scarcity is rapidly increasing, decisions are being made, in Europe and in the Netherlands especially, that will cause irreparable damage to excellent food production chains. In times of major shifts in geopolitical relations, the very availability of food will potentially be decisive for stability – and thus peace and security.
Our company, the VanDrie Group, is a key link in such an excellent food production chain. We know better than anyone how important it is to remain in dialogue with an open mind, even when positions differ. This is why we are calling on all policy makers to opt for dialogue and for policies that contribute to stability – also when it comes to food. This requires choices based on facts, knowledge and an international outlook. But above all, it requires courage: courage to set limits on the influence of ideologically driven movements with whom dialogue is no longer possible.
The year 2024 was all about connection for us. We continue to actively work on strengthening relationships both inside and outside our chain. We seek discussion on social issues, such as animal health, animal welfare, food safety and sustainability. And we listen – to concerns, to criticisms, but also to hopeful ideas and new perspectives.
Because a company that listens, lives. A sector that talks, grows
At the same time, 2024 was the year when the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) became concrete. From now on, transparency is no longer a choice, but a responsibility. This is not an unexpected move for us – we have been collecting and sharing data, setting measurable goals and rendering accountability for years. However, the mandatory nature of the CSRD does mean a step forward in terms of professionalisation.
With initiatives like the sector-wide 'Veal Forward' action plan and our commitment to themes like health, animal dignity, circularity and good employment practices, we show that dialogue is not just about words. It also calls for deeds, choices, action and courage.
I would like to express my appreciation to all our employees, partners, suppliers and customers. Thank you for your trust, commitment and cooperation over the past year. Thanks to you, we can continue to build a sector that listens, learns and connects.
Because a company that listens, lives.
A sector that talks, grows.
A society that remains in dialogue builds a future that belongs to everyone.
I hope you enjoy reading this report!
Ruth Bouwstra
Director Corporate Affairs and Quality
December 2025
Questions or comments can be sent to contact@vandriegroup.com
