MONHEIM/ABBENES - Behind the United States, The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural products, making it a key player in the global economy. As such, Bayer has announced the launch of ForwardFarming, an initiative working with independent farms to advance sustainable ag, with Het Groene Hart in Abbenes, North Holland.

"We have lively discussions and debates here among various stakeholders about new innovations and opportunities for local and global farms," said Damien Viollet, Head of Benelux Region for the Crop Science Division of Bayer, according to a press release. "Het Groene Hart serves as a representative role model for others in the area, and around the world."

Despite its small size, The Netherlands is an optimal place to test efficiencies and environmentally sustainable practices that will help support a food system that faces a growing global demand. Het Groene Hart is an independently owned farm that will work with Bayer and other partners to implement innovative agricultural practices. With the ForwardFarming network, Bayer provides an opportunity for demonstration, dialog, and collaboration through integrated crop solutions, proactive stewardship, and partnerships.

According to the release, Het Groene Hart is run by sixth-generation farmer Jasper Roubos and produces potatoes, wheat, onions, and sugar beets on 85 hectares of very fertile polder soil. Digital farming techniques, such as GPS informed precision spraying, operational safety procedures, and biodiversity enhancement methods are all demonstrated on the farm. Such elements enable Roubos to take a holistic approach to sustainable farming.

"I decided to participate in the Bayer ForwardFarming program because I want to show that economic success can co-exist alongside an innovative and responsible environmental approach," said Jasper Roubous, Head Farmer at Het Groene Hart. "I frequently have productive discussions with partners, community members, and fellow farmers who visit, and I’m able to implement new ideas that raise my farm’s sustainability to a higher level."

This year, The Netherlands hosted the Global Forum for Innovation in Agriculture Utrecht. An event celebrating the official launch of Het Groene Hart as a BayerForwardFarm was the perfect way to close the week of discussions about sustainable practices spurred by new innovation and insights.

"We are very proud of the work that has already been accomplished at Het Groene Hart, and look forward to supporting the advancement of sustainable agriculture on this farm, and throughout our ForwardFarming network in years to come," added Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Head of the Crop Science Division. Het Groene Hart is the fifth role-model farm in Bayer’s ForwardFarming network, which will be further expanded in Europe as well as in Latin America and North America.

Join the dialog by visiting http://www.forwardfarming.com and following #ForwardFarming.

Bayer