De Fryske is an upcoming sustainable cheese brand with a price winning flavour. The milk for the cheese is produced by a small group of sustainable Frisian farmers with attention for biodiversity (meadow birds like Godwit), animal welfare, climate and life cycle. The cheese is introduced in the market in February 2017. For more information, see www.defryske.frl

Responsible for (1) strategy dairy development for the Solidaridad Network (2) support to regional expertise centre of Solidaridad to develop and manage programs (3) linkages to Western multinationals, companies and knowledge institutes.www.solidaridad.nl or www.solidaridadnetwork.org

The Farmers Guild is protecting real farmer values in a modern time, which leads to sustainable farming on human scale with respect for biodiversity, environment and animal welfare. And economic viable by craftmanship, entrepreneurship and market development. The Guild organises experienced learning (Farmer2Farmer) and assures the sustainability on the farms. In 2016 the Guild became partner of dairy cooperative NoorderlandMelk and is part of a new and sustainable dairy brand Weide Weelde… Show more The Farmers Guild is protecting real farmer values in a modern time, which leads to sustainable farming on human scale with respect for biodiversity, environment and animal welfare. And economic viable by craftmanship, entrepreneurship and market development. The Guild organises experienced learning (Farmer2Farmer) and assures the sustainability on the farms. In 2016 the Guild became partner of dairy cooperative NoorderlandMelk and is part of a new and sustainable dairy brand Weide Weelde www.boerengilde.nl www.weideweelde.nl Show less

Private consultant and entrepreneur since 2007 with different roles: initiator, projectmanager, speaker, lobbyist. Was (co)founder of Dairy Farmers Academy and Farmers Guild, have done interim jobs (see this Linked In profile) and next to this some smaller projects to improve sustainability in the dairy chain, from farmer to the market and society. Some interim jobs and bigger initiatives: (1) Manager Sustainability at CONO Cheesemakers (2) Project Manager of Sustainable Dairy Chain… Show more Private consultant and entrepreneur since 2007 with different roles: initiator, projectmanager, speaker, lobbyist. Was (co)founder of Dairy Farmers Academy and Farmers Guild, have done interim jobs (see this Linked In profile) and next to this some smaller projects to improve sustainability in the dairy chain, from farmer to the market and society. Some interim jobs and bigger initiatives: (1) Manager Sustainability at CONO Cheesemakers (2) Project Manager of Sustainable Dairy Chain (Duurzame Zuivelketen) at NZO (3) founder of the Dariy Farmers Academy (4) Policy Officer knowledge and education at Dutch Farmers UnionSome smaller projects: (1) development of F2F program for Friesland Campina in developing countries (2) speaker and debate facilitator www.catharinuswierda.nl Show less

Nije Gaast is an organization for primary education in SW Friesland with 15 primary schools in often small villages, in general 1200 children and around 100 employees. As board employer of the director and supervisor for strategy, finance and educational outcomes. www.nijegaast.nl

CONO Kaasmakers is a dairy cooperative of 500 farmers, producer of Beemster Cheese and supplier for Ben&Jerry's (Unilever) ice cream in Europe. Responsibilities: development and management of sustainability program Caring Dairy.www.caringdairy.nl

The Dutch Dairy Association (NZO) and the Dutch Farmers Union (LTO) started in 2008 with the 'Duurzame Zuivelketen'. Responsibility: development of a common sustainability agenda in the dairy sector for action and advocacy, owned by farmers union, dairy cooperatives and companies. Issues were energy, climate, animal welfare, grazing and biodiversity. www.duurzamezuivelketen.nl

The Dairy Farmers Academy was a network of 1500 farmers to improve entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. The type of learning was farmer-to-farmer, because experiences are proven knowledge. In 2010 the Academy got the NSCU Award as 'promising business academy'. After 2010 the initiative has continued independently in cooperation with the Dutch Farmers Union.

Redevelopment of knowledge and innovation policy for the Dutch Farmers Union: (1) common agenda and vision (2) building network with education and knowledge institutes (2) initiating new projects (3) communication by writing and seminar

Projects with focus on the connection between research and farmers / companies, like Waardewerken and later as founder of the Dairy Farmers Academy (Melkvee Academie). Mission: strengthen contribution of research to development in agricultural practice.

Internal expert for various departments and connector to the dairy sector. A job for a small period because it was an internal role.

Responsible for environmental issues, later redevelopment of policy for 'strengthening market position for farmers'. Roles: policy making, lobby to parliament and government, contact with NGO's, manager of a team, communication to farmers and society, initiating of new projects.

Mineralen Op Scherp: use of minerals on the edge. My first job after study, with 'both feet into the clay'. Support to frontrunner farmers to sustain their farm. In 6 different commodities: dairy, poulthry, pigs, arable, vegetable and tree cultivation. Roles: management, knowledge, faciliation and communication.