GOLDEN CASES OF SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN INSPIRE EUROPE
Getting SFSC consultants across Europe to learn from each other: that is one of the intentions of the COREnet project
At the end of October, around sixty participants from all over Europe, involved in both the CORENET and EU4ADVICE projects, embarked on their first field trip to Belgium. They were warmly welcomed at the Ice Cream Farm De Boey in Sint-Gillis-Waas. In the morning, a presentation on the family business was scheduled, followed by Sylvester Van Ledden‘s presentation on his mobile cheese factory in the afternoon.
Through SWOT analyses and critical questioning by the participants, research was conducted to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both Golden Cases. Additionally, they explored the potential value or inspiration these cases could offer to other SFSC consultants in Europe.
Ice Cream Farm De Boey
The De Boey family has operated a mixed farming business for many generations. In 1989, Marc and Christine established their dairy farm at a new location, the Groenendijk, on the edge of the Koningskieldrechtpolder. Later, their daughters Liselotte and Christine received specific training as artisanal ice cream makers, leading to the birth of Ice Cream Farm De Boey in 2015.
The family endeavors to utilize their own raw materials to create sublime flavors. By using A2A2 milk from their own cows, instead of A1A2, Marc and his family have significantly boosted local sales. They also cultivate an orchard to use their own fruits and berries as flavorings for their farmhouse ice cream.
Inspiring Story
The collaborative relationship between Marc De Boey and his advisor Patrick Pasgang is inspiring to several participants, including Sarah Nolan from Ireland. Sarah expressed, ‘Innovation and entrepreneurship arise from both the farmer and the consultant. It’s incredible to witness what is achievable when their ideas merge. It was noted several times that many farmers struggle with certainty regarding specific management decisions and may require the expert guidance of a consultant. In this example, it led to innovation, creating an exciting narrative that I’m thrilled to share.’
Mobile Cheese Factory
In the afternoon, Sylvester Van Ledden presented his mobile cheese-making facility. His company is young and dynamic, equipped with a professionally outfitted trailer to make cheese on-site at farms. The cheeses undergo a brine bath, coating, and daily turning for five to six weeks in the mobile cheese factory, resulting in a unique, ready-to-sell cheese with delicious proprietary flavor. Sylvester serves dairy farms in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.
40 Golden Cases
Ice Cream Farm De Boey and the Mobile Cheese Factory were the first two Golden Cases out of the 40 to be showcased within the project. Among these, 27 (one in each European member state) will serve as inspiration for implementation elsewhere. The overarching goal is to establish a European Network of SFSC advisors who can collaborate and accelerate innovation in the sector. Participants were briefed on the current supply and possible financing of SFSC consulting in Flanders, Belgium, on the outward journey, and a similar overview was provided for the Netherlands on the return trip.
In the ensuing years of the project, several more exchanges will occur, and other European examples will be visited.
Photo credit: Tom Dewanckele
