Partnership for future-proof chicory farming

A stable supply of chicory allows Sensus to produce a wide range of chicory root fibers (inulin) for the food industry. A strong partnership with dedicated growers allows Sensus ánd growers to invest in better farming practices, ultimately reducing the footprint of our dietary fiber in healthy and tasty food. René Schunselaar is Manager Agro at Sensus. With his team, he is dedicated to working on future-proof chicory farming. In this article, René explains how we partner up with our growers to improve yields, farmer’s income and limit environmental impact.

Strategic partnership

“Over the last years, we have taken steps to secure our future supply of chicory as part of our sustainability program. A stable supply starts with a strong relationship with our growers,” René tells us. “We see it not just as a supplier-customer relationship. The farmers growing chicory roots are strategic partners to us.” This partnership means paying a fair price for their crop and working together to adopt better farming practices. “If we reward our growers appropriately for their efforts to grow chicory, and collaborate to improve income and yields, they will continue to work with us.”

“A stable supply of chicory starts with a strong relationship with our growers”

Lower risk, higher reward

Adopting new techniques, methods and materials do not always pay off within one growing season, however, and unstable weather offers no guarantees either. “Better farming practices often come down to a long-term investment that does not always translate into a short-term improvement in income. But like any business, a farm needs to be able to turn a healthy profit. That is why we have steadily raised the purchase price of chicory. Our growers are rewarded for growing chicory and gain perspective to further invest in a future-proof crop.” Additionally, Sensus has introduced a premium of up to 10% of the chicory price when farmers meet certain criteria related to sustainable farming practices, mainly aimed at adopting non-chemical weed control.

"Our growers are rewarded for growing chicory and gain perspective to further invest in a future-proof crop"

At the kitchen table

Besides yields and income, being present and involved also forms an important aspect of a strong partnership. “One of our efforts to improve the partnership is the expansion of our Agro team,” René continues. “This way we can have a stronger presence on the farm. At the kitchen table, as we would say in Dutch. This way we get direct insight in the situation on the farm, which enables us to work together with our growers to improve yields.”

Sharing is caring

To strengthen the connection between Sensus and its growers, as well as among the growers themselves, Sensus facilitates both online and offline study groups. These groups provide a platform for sharing insights and expertise. In a yield improvement program, a crop expert from Sensus works together with farmers to apply improvements and innovations on the field. Mailings with news on innovations, pilots and more, ensure everyone is up-to-date and gets the most of their growing season.

René’s highlight of the season takes place at the end of summer: “We have set up a yearly event in the Netherlands for growers and stakeholders. Every summer we will bring them together for a keynote and word of thanks, but mostly for the opportunity to meet each other in a relaxed setting. By organizing this event, we facilitate a connection and the sharing of expertise between farmers, contractors, experts and our Agro team,” René concludes.