n the work package described in this report, members are investigating whether a cooperative of farmers can become self-sufficient in energy and fertilization by using manure and organic waste flows in combination with anaerobic fermentation. The aim is to link the nutrient cycle (from manure to digestate to green fertilizer consisting of, for example, nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements) to a self-sufficient energy system, by the combined production of electricity, green gas, green fuels, and green fertilizers. Within this research such a system is called a circular multi commodity system (CMCS). In effect linking, the nutrient cycle with an energy production chain. In addition, other energy sources and sinks can also play a role in the system such as wind, solar PV and storage (e.g. batteries or hydrogen). For this symbiosis of production techniques to succeed in practice, intensive cooperation between arable farmers and dairy farmers is needed. Farmers supply part of the input from the biofermenter and receive green fertilizers at the end of the process, which are used as a substitute for fertilizer. The case is based on a cooperative of farmers with a minimal geographical spread and maximum diversity in type of business. In this way, the current waste and nutrient chain is being replaced by a more sustainable and closed cycle. This could provide significant environmental benefits: reduction of the environmental impact through the use of fertilizer, reduction of dependence on fossil raw materials, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
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This applied research is an attempt to analyse the effectiveness of milk marketing and facilitate developing a sustainable milk value chain for dairy farmer’s groups in Punakha district. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussion were used as research strategies to obtain relevant information. The survey was conducted using both open and closed-ended structured questionnaire in seven subdistricts of Barp, Dzomi, Guma, Kabisa, Shelnga-Bjemi, Talog and Toedwang. A total of 60 respondents; 30 existing milk suppliers and 30 non-milk suppliers were drawn using a simple random sampling technique. One-to-one interviews were conducted following semi-structured questions with eight key informants in the chain. One focus group interview was conducted with the existing dairy farmer groups representatives to triangulate and discover in-depth information about the situation of the milk value chain in the district. The survey data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20. A method of grounded theory design was used to analyse the qualitative data of interviews and focus group discussion. Value chain mapping was employed for assessing the operational situation of the current milk chain. The mean cost of milk production was estimated at Nu.27.53 per litre and the maximum expenses were incurred in animal feeds which were estimated to be 46.34% of the total cost of milk production. In this study, milk producers had the highest share of added value and profit which were estimated at 45.45% and 44.85% respectively. Limited information and coordination amongst stakeholders have contributed to slow progression in the formal milk market. The finding reveals that 90% of nondairy farmer groups respondents were interested in joining formal milk marketing. The average morning milk available for supply from this group would be 4.41 ± 3.07 litres daily by each household. The study also found that 50% of the respondents were interested in supplying evening milk with an average of 4.43 ± 2.25 litres per day per household. Based on the result of this study, it was concluded that there are possibilities of expanding the milk value chain in the district. However, there is a need to enhance consistent milk supply through a quality-based milk payment system, access to reasonable input supplies, and facilitate strong multi-stakeholder processes along the milk value chain.
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This is a case study which discusses the journey of a successful Ethiopian dairy entrepreneur. It turned out that the inclusiveness of the small holder farmer into the chain with fair incentive sharing mechainsms and guarenteed market access made her chain more efficient, reliable and profitable.
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Agriculture; Macro-Micro-Macro perspective; Public goods and Public bads; Collective action; Commons; Opposite concerns; Farmers and Peasants; Anthropology
Family Dairy Tech Sustainable and affordable stable management systems for family dairy farms in India. An example of Dutch technology that is useful to an ?emerging economy?. Summary Problem The demand for dairy products in India is increasing. Small and medium-sized family farmers want to capitalize on this development and the Indian government wants to support them. Dutch companies offer knowledge and a wide range of products and services to improve dairy housing systems and better milk quality, in which India is interested. However, the Dutch technology is sophisticated and expensive. For a successful entry into this market, entrepreneurs have to develop affordable and robust (?frugal?) systems and products adapted to the Indian climate and market conditions. The external question is therefore: ?How can Dutch companies specialised on dairy housing systems adapt their products and offer these on the Indian market to contribute to sustainable and profitable local dairy farming??. Goal Since 2011, VHL University of Applied Sciences (VHL) is collaborating with a college and an agricultural information center Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baramati, Pune district, Maharashtra State India. In this region many small-scale dairy farmers are active. Within this project, KVK wants to support farmers to scale up their farm form one or a few cows up to 15 to 100 cows, with a better milk quality. In this innovative project, VHL and Saxion Universities of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with KVK and several Dutch companies want to develop integrated solutions for the growing number of dairy farms in the State of Maharashtra, India. The research questions are: 1. "How can, by smart combinations of existing and new technologies, the cow-varieties and milk- and stable-management systems in Baramati, India, for family farmers be optimized in an affordable and sustainable way?" 2. "What are potential markets in India for Dutch companies in the field of stable management and which innovative business models can support entering this market?" Results The intended results are: 1. A design of an integral stable management system for small and medium-sized dairy farms in India, composed of modified Dutch technologies. 2. A cattle improvement programme for robust cows that are adapted to the conditions of Maharashtra. 3. An advice to Dutch entrepreneurs how to develop their market position in India for their technologies. 4. An advice to Indian family farmers how they can increase their margins in a sustainable way by employing innovative technologies.
A major challenge in the textile sector is achieving true circularity while preventing fraud, including false sustainability claims and material mislabelling. The complexity of supply chains and outdated certification systems have resulted in a lack of accountability and transparency. This project addresses these issues by developing and implementing Digital Product Passports, integrated with digital trust mechanisms as verifiable credentials, to create a transparent, responsible, and accountable textile supply chain. The project traces the journey of a corporate fashion t-shirt from cotton sourcing in India to production and distribution in the Netherlands, ensuring full transparency and traceability. Its goal is to drive a shift towards a circular economy by fostering collaboration across the supply chain and empowering stakeholders, particularly Tiers 3 and 4 in the Global South. Schijvens Corporate Fashion leads the effort with regenerative cotton sourcing through Raddis®Cotton, utilising Aware™’s technology solution. Adopting a ‘Fibre-Forward’ approach, the consortium ensures traceability by integrating data from raw material sourcing to end-user. This approach benefits all stakeholders, from farmers to garment producers, by providing verifiable information on fibre origins, social conditions, and ecological impacts. By tracking each fibre and collecting direct data, the project removes the opacity that can undermine sustainability claims. The project enhances accountability and sustainability compliance by utilising decentralised technologies for product verification. Integrating digital identity wallets for individuals and organisations, secured with verifiable credentials, enhances trust and accountability, fostering circular economy practices. Rather than seeing DPPs as the end goal, the project views them as catalysts for systemic change. It prioritises continuous improvement, collaboration, and shared benefits, aiming to establish a regenerative circular economy. Through a practical toolkit, the project will help organisations and policymakers navigate DPP adoption, strengthening transparency and creating a scalable, inclusive system for supply chains across the Global South and -North.
