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‘We always found future-proof cultivation interesting.’
Aviko. Where sustainability grows.
The first inspiration farm opened its doors in 2023. The purpose of this concept is to inspire other growers and introduce them to the latest techniques for promoting sustainable cultivation. ‘We always found future-proof cultivation interesting, and we are now able to share our findings with other entrepreneurs,’ says young grower and Aviko’s first inspiration farmer: Joost Derks. He works at the Derks Akkerbouw arable farming company in Volkel, Brabant.
Joost: ‘The interest shown by other growers and Aviko in our inspiration farm is significant, especially in our peak months. We show growers and Aviko and Cosun employees what is already possible in the area of future-proof cultivation in practice. Such as using a sowing and hoeing robot and how we implement new crop protection systems or watering systems in a simple manner. Pilot farms often show developments that are still very far removed from the experience of agricultural entrepreneurs. We are happy to be able to share the interesting outcomes if they can actually be implemented tomorrow. And we are not afraid to experiment, also if we are unable to predict the outcome.’
Future-proof cultivation
‘As proud growers, we focus what is possible and not on what is not possible. What is important is using innovation correctly in your own company. We cultivate with the smallest impact on the environment and our surroundings, without comprising quality. Future-proof cultivation is good for the soil. After all, the soil will have more water-retention capacity and the soil will retain more fertiliser for the plants if the soil is more active and healthier. We sample all parcels to determine how much nitrogen is deposited. The reason is that the soil is our future,’ according to Jos Derks.