Objective: a shorter chain from farm to fork
Faster is healthier
Botmas is an agricultural company in Engwierum. Folkert Botma and Leon Steeghs are working here on ways to shorten the chain between farm and meal. Transporting agricultural products from one processing location to another and then to storage facilities results in significant loss of valuable energy. Not only that: it also impacts freshness. The less fresh, the lower the nutritional value.
Processing under one roof
That’s why Botmas processes as many vegetables and potatoes as possible into a final product under one roof, so it can go straight to the customer. This method proved successful: three companies quickly became customers. These included a large healthcare institution, a large business with a company canteen, and a wholesaler and processor of fruit and vegetables.
Fresher and more environmentally friendly
By radically shortening the transport chain, the project ensures environmental benefits. The farmer retains more earnings and the end-user receives a super-fresh product on the plate.
Enablemi’s role
The initiators received support from Enablemi in finding chain partners and subsidy opportunities. The budget was optimised, resulting in an excellent subsidy for the consortium. Throughout the project, Enablemi ensured that all requirements were met. Experience in agricultural projects proved valuable in this process.
Sharing knowledge
Impact must be shared. The collaborating parties want more than just a shorter chain. Their goal is also research and validation of methods for storage, peeling, slicing, cooking, packaging, cooling and regenerating, so the highest nutritional value, food safety and consumer satisfaction can be achieved. This knowledge is to be shared as widely as possible with other regional entrepreneurs—and beyond.
Farm to Fork project - In dit project zetten wij ons in om de productieketen van agrarische producten tot gezonde maaltijden te verkorten en waarde toe te voegen. In Enablemi hebben wij wederom de juiste partner gevonden. Op een vindingrijke en creatieve wijze heeft Enablemi ons weten te koppelen aan de juiste subsidie en zijn wij nu in staat onze ambities te verwezenlijken met behulp van de subsidieregeling versnellingsagenda regio Noardeast-Fryslan.
Folkert Botma, Medeoprichter Botmas
The Farm to Fork project contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals
De win-win impact van Botmas
Environmental benefits from a shorter chain on the one hand, more income for the farmer on the other: these are two significant outcomes. Additionally, the project strengthens the connection between farmer and end product, increasing appreciation among end users.
Residents of the care institution, staff in the canteen, and customers at the fruit and vegetable shop receive locally fresh products with high nutritional value. Locally produced food becomes more visible and even more desirable. In short: an exemplary project.
Want to know more about these kinds of projects? Ask Kevin for advice!
