Regenerative agriculture is an example of the future-oriented, locally relevant topics that Campus Fryslân believes in. To explore it further, today we give the floor to Hillie van der Bij, Researcher in Regenerative Agriculture and, as of last week, Programme Coordinator of Re-Ge-NL for the University of Groningen. Keep reading to learn what regenerative agriculture, its relevance for the region, and about current barriers and opportunities.

Hi Hillie! Thanks for finding the time for this chat. Before diving into the scope of your contribution, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Hillie van der Bij and I was born and raised in Fryslân, where I grew up on a farm. For my studies, I went to Wageningen to pursue a bachelor’s in Business & Consumer Sciences (Bedrijfs- en Consumentenwetenschappen), which covered various topics and offered me a broad perspective. The main focus was on consumer research to understand the psychology of consumers while also paying attention to the business perspective. After that, I pursued a Master’s in Food Quality Management, which focused on quality throughout the entire food production cycle, from farming, to manufacturing, to selling.

After completing my MSc, I wasn't sure about my next steps, so I decided to embark on a 3-month trip to New Zealand. While there, I visited farms and connected with locals, witnessing different farming practices and finally realizing my deep-rooted passion for agriculture-related topics. After that exprerience, I looked back and I could see this agricultural theme running through my life, so I decided to delve deeper into it.

Focusing on your role at Campus Fryslân, what brought you here and what is your line of work?

Upon returning to Fryslân from New Zealand, I was forwarded a vacancy by a friend and decided to apply. The vacancy was for the position I currently hold at the Faculty. As a Researcher, my primary responsibility is conducting research on regenerative agriculture.

The focus of my contribution is on understanding how farmers and stakeholders perceive regenerative agriculture, identifying obstacles and opportunities for transitioning to more sustainable farming practices, particularly within dairy farms. This involves conducting interviews with a variety of dairy farmers, chain actors (ketenpartijen) and other stakeholders.

Additionally, since last week, I have taken on the role of Programme Coordinator for the Re-Ge-NL program within the newly established Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Transition at Campus Fryslân. This project aims to facilitate the transition to sustainable agriculture and accelerate its progress. My specific role involves formulating a transition plan in collaboration with farmers, which will involve engaging with a large number of farmers.

❝The focus of my contribution is on understanding how farmers and stakeholders perceive regenerative agriculture, identifying obstacles and opportunities for transitioning to more sustainable farming practices, particularly within dairy farms.❞

For those who are not necessarily familiar with the concept of regenerative agriculture, could you please explain briefly what it is?

At its core, regenerative agriculture is a sustainable farming approach that prioritizes soil health and the life within it. It concerns a whole ecosystem, including a healthy business model, sustainable and “healthy” products, among other 14 outcomes/goals that are defined. While this explanation provides a general understanding, I find it useful to share one of the definitions I am working with:

"An approach to farming that uses soil conservation as the entry point to regenerate and contribute to multiple provisioning, regulating, and supporting ecosystem services, with the aspiration that this will enhance not only the environmental but also the social and economic dimensions of sustainable food production." Additionally, a regenerative agricultural system at landscape or higher levels is envisioned as one that enables food and biomass production while maintaining healthy ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity, and supporting societal well-being and economic prosperity." (Koerkamp et al., 2021)*

❝At its core, regenerative agriculture is a sustainable farming approach that prioritizes soil health and the life within it.❞

Why is regenerative agriculture relevant for Fryslân?

I focus specifically on the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden but collaborate also with research teams from Utrecht, focussing on Twente and Achterhoek. The Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is a region with a lot of experience with more extensive ways of farming. Given the current discourse in the Netherlands and the concerning conclusions of climate reports, there's increasing pressure on farmers to adapt, which makes it crucial for them to explore new approaches.

Is it costly for farmers to make the transition?

The cost of transitioning to regenerative agriculture varies depending on factors such as farm size and current farming practices, among others. While transitioning may involve initial expenses, there are low-hanging fruits that farmers can start with without making significant financial investment. For instance, farmers can experiment with small-scale projects or seek guidance from existing transition initiatives and farmer collectives (for example the "Collectief de Noardlike Fryske Wâlden") to move to more sustainable practices.

❝While transitioning may involve initial expenses, there are low-hanging fruits that farmers can start with without making significant financial investment.❞

Naturally, I am not saying that they shift immediately to being regenerative by applying only a few measures. But farmers can start their transition journey by slowly integrating regenerative practices and making use of the resources at their disposal. They can find a solution for themselves that falls within the spectrum of regenerative agriculture, and have a societal impact, without having to go drastic immediately. 

❝Farmers can find a solution for themselves that falls within the spectrum of regenerative agriculture, and have a societal impact , without having to go drastic immediately.❞

How do you envision the agricultural transition?

Just as in a supermarket, there are always frontrunners who purchase a newly launched product first and are intrinsically motivated to try it out, the so-called "pioneers." In the transition towards regenerative agriculture, there are individuals at the forefront who have been experimenting and adopting new practices for years. This represents a small percentage of farmers who have already embraced a new way of farming.

Then there's a (small) group of individuals who simply do not want to transition, similar to some consumers who refuse to try a product, the so-called "laggards." These individuals are the most resistant to change.

Lastly, and most importantly, there's a big group of individuals who are on the fence, an intermediary group that we should focus on. These individuals have an interest and would be willing to make a change, but they might be hesitating due to a lack of knowledge, support, or maybe family tensions. The biggest impact can be made in this group. By providing guidance, encouragement and support, we can bring this group on board and make the transition happen.

❝...there's a big group of individuals who are on the fence, an intermediary group that we should focus on. These individuals have an interest and would be willing to make a change, but they might be hesitating due to a lack of knowledge, support, or maybe family tensions.❞

What role do you think education plays in making this happen?

Education plays a crucial role in promoting regenerative agriculture. It involves providing individuals with broader perspectives on soil and the life within it, as well as teaching them how to preserve it through regenerative agriculture practices. While this shift is already underway, it's essential to maintain focus on this aspect. Offering courses on the topic is crucial for spreading knowledge and addressing any questions farmers may have. Programmes like the one we are developing enable farmers to approach us with their issues and learn from each other. Farmers possess extensive practical experience and understand what works best for them, an expertise that cannot be substituted by merely sitting at a desk.


_{*Groot Koerkamp, P. W. G., Schreefel, L., Wojtynia, N., Beldman, A., de Boer, I., de Boer, M., ... & Schouten, W. J. (2021). Discussion Paper: Outline of a Regenerative Agriculture System at Scale.}