Netherlands: Taking samples for quality assessment and cost savings

"We are a company with excellent in-house expertise in that field," says Erikjan van Huet Lindeman, Head of Communications and Marketing at BLGG AgroXpertus. "We provide growers with information that allows them to streamline their production of soy, milk, flowers, tomatoes or cucumbers, to name but a few. What we do is take samples of things like fertilizers or feed, analyse these and turn them into practical advice for entrepreneurs. Updating production and reducing costs are major features in this procedure.”

The company has a huge market in the Netherlands, ranging from 80% in dairy farming to 50% in horticulture. "Our action radius is relatively large. We are present in all areas, from arable horticulture to greenhouse production and livestock.” In July 2013, BLGG AgroXpertus became part of Eurofins, an international player in the field of laboratory tests.

Huet Lindeman thinks growers can save huge costs on things like fertilizers or the quantity of milk produced, which can sometimes involve substantial amounts. “Our role is limited to providing information and advice, but our reports are used by various consultants, who in turn counsel entrepreneurs in order to work out what can be improved in each specific situation.”