Pioneering Sustainable Grain Trading: The Journey of Spartac Chilat and Prograin This article is part of a series of interviews by Anders Invest's Food & Agri team. Here, we look at people and activities from our portfolio companies. In this interview, we meet Spartac Chilat, the founder and CEO of Prograin Organic. A company that operates in the field of cultivation, processing, storage, trading and export of organic grains, seeds, and pulses in the Republic of Moldova. They were the first company to introduce organic food and agriculture in Moldova and help farmers transition from conventional to organic practices. History of Spartac and Prograin Spartac has been involved in the food and agriculture industry since graduating from the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova in 1997. Throughout his career, he held several positions with agricultural companies; focusing on the distribution, logistics, and trading soybeans, fertilizers, and grains across Moldova. What truly captivated him was the concept of uniting farmers and integrating them into a cooperative network. Leveraging his industry knowledge and network of distribution partners, buyers, and farmers, Spartac identified a promising opportunity in the grain trading industry in 2012, leading to the establishment of Prograin. Together with four former colleagues, he started his new venture. Having an in-depth understanding of conventional farming, Spartac was aware of its flaws. Fueled by a conviction to harness the full potential of Moldova's fertile landscape, he observed that ordinary operators lacked respectful land treatment, leading to reduced long-term fertility. The increasing use of chemicals and fertilizers deteriorated the ground and raised concerns about public health. Furthermore, competing in conventional farming against larger operators who used cost-leadership strategies posed obstacles with low margins, often undermining and eliminating smaller players. Therefore, Spartac recognized to take a more holistic view and initiated a transition to organic production in 2015 with Prograin. During this time, he met Dirk and Michel, his first Dutch connections, who were crucial in establishing the foundation for a later partnership with Anders Invest. "Prograin is deeply committed to aiding farmers by providing input supplies, certification, technological support, grain handling, logistics, legal assistance, and other essential activities. These endeavours, although crucial, require upfront investments. A significant challenge to note is that 80% of farmers struggle to make these initial investments without a direct return. This calls for a shift in mindset. Due to the sustainability aspect of our business, it's crucial to transition from short-term thinking to a long-term approach. While an investment today might take longer to realize profitability compared to conventional farming, with patience and understanding, it will ultimately become highly lucrative. This is not just due to enhanced soil health but also because of the opportunity for premium pricing. For a truly sustainable future, collaboration is vital. As we've always believed, "You cannot be sustainable if your partners are not sustainable." Together, with a united vision, we can ensure that both the land and our farming partners thrive." Anders Invest saw this niche market's favourable business climate and high growth potential in Moldova. Spartac explains: "Anders Invest brings their extensive expertise in food and agriculture, along with a long-term vision. We knew this was the perfect opportunity to start making a difference within the industry." Unique Value proposition of Prograin Prograin operates throughout Moldova's entire value chain of organic grains, seeds, and pulses. "We are dedicated to supplying high-quality organic products with complete traceability, ensuring a seamless journey from the field to the consumer's plate." Prograin ensures efficient collection and storage logistics and has invested in state-of-the-art organic processing lines. This commitment to infrastructure development allows Prograin to access organic grain markets effectively. They are Moldova's first IFS (International Featured Standards) certified company. Prograin's commitment to quality control ensures that products meet rigorous standards before export. They promote various crops, including spelt, wheat, oat, sunflower, corn, sorghum, mustard, green pea, yellow pea, soybean, rye, beans, alfalfa, and buckwheat. On top of that, they started the Moldova Organic Value Chain Alliance (MOVCA). An NGO that supports the growth and success of organic agriculture throughout Moldova and actively advocates for subsidies and pro-organic policies with the government. A bright future ahead The future of Prograin appears promising as organic production gains importance in the agricultural landscape. Spartac envisions significant growth driven by crop rotation, regenerative farming, and subsidies for green initiatives. The company invests in soil fertility programs to boost yields and increase profitability. Growth rates of more than 10% per year are anticipated as Prograin continues to navigate and excel in these different facets of the business. In conclusion, Spartac Chilat's journey in the food and agriculture industry has culminated in the establishment of Prograin, a pioneering force in Moldova's agricultural landscape. His vision of becoming a market leader and fostering a cooperative network among farmers has driven Prograin's success and has only just started. With the strategic partnership with Anders Invest, Prograin has a bright future, aiming to expand its reach and connect with more farmers while ensuring high-quality products and complete traceability from field to plate.
21 september 2023
Green Growth: Strengthening Organic Agriculture with Regenerative Practices for a Sustainable Future This is the first of a series of short blogs by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest. Here, we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies. Climate change presents challenges to humankind, with a variety of notable impacts across the globe, such as receding ice caps and severe weather occurrences. Food and agriculture have the potential to contribute positively to climate change mitigation. As stated by the UN, approximately 40% of the Earth's land is currently degraded, with the possibility of depleting our topsoil in around 60 years. In this Blog we investigate the potential of regenerative and organic farming to combat the adverse climate effects of agriculture and how we try to implement this at our portfolio company in Moldova: Prograin Organic. Organic and regenerative farming are both sustainable farming methods that have the potential to complement each other for even greater sustainable benefits. Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum in recent years; by focusing on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon, it aims to create a resilient and productive agricultural system. However, regenerative agriculture currently lacks universal definitions, practices, regulation, and supervision to have a consistent impact. Organic agriculture, through a certification system, does have universal definitions, practices, regulation, and supervision. However, it is relatively narrower than regenerative farming as it primarily focuses on avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting natural inputs. We aim to combine the best of both worlds; that organic farming can be complemented with regenerative farming practices, specifically focusing on promoting the regenerative properties of soil. “At Anders Invest, we endorse organic as a dependable sustainability standard, while striving to surpass it by promoting regenerative practices in our portfolio companies. For instance, our Moldovan company, Prograin Organic, assists conventional farmers in transitioning to sustainable farming methods by providing organic fertilizers that boost soil regeneration. We pursue this approach not only to generate a positive impact but also to secure long-term financial returns through increased yields and improved crop quality” comments Jurjen van der Werf (Investment Manager at Anders Invest).
20 juli 2023
From Yuck to Yum: The Growing Potential of the Edible Insect Market Our second short blog by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest! Here, we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies. In 2018, the European Union approved the use of insects as a food source, marking a significant breakthrough in the food industry. In May 2021 the European Commission granted its first authorization for an insect based food product, approving the dried mealworm as a safe food ingredient. There are still some hurdles to overcome before edible insects are broadly consumed and accepted, but we anticipate widespread adoption and increasing growth in the next years. Edible insects offer numerous benefits; however, some unfounded concerns about their safety exist. Online reports suggest that insects are non-digestible and could cause cancer, making some individuals hesitant to consume them. These misconceptions contribute to the existing stigma associated with eating insects, often referred to as the "yuck factor," which further discourages consumers from trying these alternative food sources. Recent studies have refuted these concerns, demonstrating that edible insects are not only nutritious but also safe to eat. While it's true that some parts of insects are non-digestible, these components act as sources of fiber, aiding digestion like whole grain bread, beans, and seeds. Before granting approval, regulatory authorities like the European Union thoroughly assess the safety of edible insects for consumption. Moreover, around 2 billion people worldwide already incorporate insects into their diets regularly. Although the edible insects market is still relatively small, it is poised for rapid growth as awareness of their benefits spreads and the "yuck factor" diminishes. For instance, the global mealworm market is forecasted to hit $1.27 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 28.6% from 2022 to 2030. We believe that the path to success for businesses in this market depends on optimizing farming operations to reduce costs while enhancing quality. The promising market potential and its unique market position are the two main reasons for Anders Invest Food & Agri to invest in Starfood Holland. As a European market leader in mealworm farming for the food and feed industry, Star Food operates a large-scale insect farming facility in Hungary. Together with VDL Groep, Star Food recently developed a customized feeding line to further automate mealworm farming, effectively reducing marginal costs while ensuring high quality. Robust market growth isn't the sole factor driving Anders Invest's entry into the mealworm market. Mealworm proteins offer a more sustainable alternative to many traditional protein sources, such as meat. Stay tuned for our next LinkedIn blog, where we'll dive deeper into this topic.
20 juli 2023
Feeding the World: A Perspective on Sustainable and Affordable Food This article is part of a series of short blogs by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest. Here, we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies. As the world's population inches closer to 10 billion, the escalating food demand is unignorable. To meet this, global food production must ramp up by 50-70%, a challenge intensified by the 2.3 billion individuals already grappling with food insecurity. In addition, there is the simultaneous necessity to mitigate climate change impacts, underscoring the dual challenge of affordability and sustainability that more and more defines the food and agricultural sector. The challenge is that we’re trying to feed the growing world population while also needing to take care of our climate and all the different kinds of life on our planet. This situation has led to two different ways of thinking: agroecology and ecomodernism. Agroecology supports sustainable food production, leaning towards organic farming that takes care of the soil, clean water, biodiversity, and nutritious food. On the other hand, ecomodernism focuses on using technology and producing a lot of food on a small piece of land, suggesting a strict separation between farmland and other ecosystems where nature can flourish. Strike the right balance between satisfying the imperative demand for accessible food and tackling the pressing issue of climate change, and you'll find yourself caught in the midst of a high-stakes struggle. Volkert Engelsman, the founder of Eosta BV / Nature & More, simplifies this complex dilemma: “We are losing 30 soccer fields of fertile land every minute, profit can only be profit if it doesn’t jeopardize people and planet. While affordability is undeniably vital, it is equally important that we conduct comprehensive calculations that account for both the positive and negative externalities associated with nutritious food, social inclusion, and ecosystems.” Nevertheless, Hidde Boersma, in his thought-provoking piece for the Correspondent, sheds light on the ecomodernist view: “Through the adoption of intensified farming techniques, we possess the capacity to free up farmland spanning the entirety of Russia. This staggering feat can be achieved by harnessing the power of a 25% boost in crop productivity.” Boersma passionately argues that this preserved land, no longer under the plow, could be transformed into thriving natural ecosystems, becoming havens of biodiversity and environmental balance. However, Boersma's ideas regarding factory farming rest upon a set of assumptions that blur our understanding of ecosystems and microbiomes, misrepresenting their true workings. An oversimplification of nature allows for easy commodification and scalability but diminishes the intertwined complexities that constitute as nutritious food utilizing only a fraction of the required DNA of plants and neglects the importance of sunlight and instead using LED lighting. At Anders Invest Food & Agri Fonds, we understand that a one-sided approach risks overlooking the intertwined complexities of social development and environmental sustainability. In the short-term, there is a contention that a solely organic system lacks affordability for all, without taking into account negative externalities such as the increasing healthcare costs associated with food-related diseases, water pollution, and nitrogen intensification. Conversely, an excessive focus on agricultural intensification disregards environmental considerations, biodiversity depletion, water pollution, and the potential dependency of developing countries on western technology. As we analyze the crux of the matter, a distinct pattern comes into focus. It becomes increasingly apparent that the organic system exhibits minimal to no yield loss for fruits, while grains suffer a more substantial decline. Considering this significant revelation, we propose a focused strategy: let us channel our efforts into cultivating fruits using entirely organic methods, effectively demonstrating the positive impact on consumer prices while the lower yields justify a slight premium for the grains. After all, to provide affordable and organic sustenance for our rapidly growing global population, it is imperative that we address the global power dynamics within the food and agriculture sector. This involves reducing the substantial portion of land currently allocated to animal production, which currently stands at 70%, and prioritizing the availability of nutritious food worldwide. We will dive into these subjects in a later blog. Stay tuned!
20 juli 2023
The Future of Protein: Harnessing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Mealworm Production This article is part of a series of short blogs by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest. Here we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies. In our previous article about mealworms (find it here), we debunked the notion that mealworms are a harmful food source. We underscored the significant role they can play in enhancing diet quality, given their robust protein profile - a whopping 55% - and their completeness in supplying all essential amino acids. Previously, mealworms were largely reserved for animal feed. However, the recent years have seen a shift in their role towards human food, with the EU allowing the use of mealworms for human consumption. This broadens the horizon for mealworms, as they are poised to shape the future of nutrition for both animals and humans. What makes this even more exciting is that the merits of mealworms extend beyond dietary health—they also stand out as a remarkably sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. For instance, these insects leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint, require less water, and are not as land dependent. The figure below offers a comparative overview of different protein sources, highlighting the superior sustainability metrics of mealworms. The realization of these sustainability benefits hinges critically on the price-competitiveness of mealworm proteins against alternative protein sources, particularly with regards to animal feed. As such, we're of the view that for companies in the mealworm farming sector, their right to win lies in their ability to operate at comparatively low marginal costs while upholding a consistent, high-quality protein yield. Our portfolio company, Starfood Holland, has a leading position in the mealworm farming market. As founder and co-owner Wim Soetendaal explains: “With our partly automated farming operation in Hungary we have the scale and efficiency to produce at a competitive marginal cost while ensuring consistent quality. In addition, we pelletize the mealworm manure and use these pellets to generate the energy to maintain the farms at optimal farming temperature. As such, we further reduce the marginal costs”. In conclusion, mealworms mark a pivotal shift in the protein industry, both nutritionally and sustainably. The success lies in efficient production, as demonstrated by our portfolio company, Star Food. Their innovative approach is helping to shape a more sustainable Food & Agri sector. Stay tuned for more insights and developments from Anders Invest as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of this industry.
20 juli 2023
Sustainable Soy: Balancing Demand and Environmental Responsibility This article is part of a series of short blogs by the Food & Agri team of Anders Invest. Here we outline our perspectives on key themes that are relevant to the Food & Agri sector and explain how we try to make an impact with our portfolio companies and investment strategies. The popularity of soy-based products has been steadily increasing for years. Soy is a versatile legume that is used not only as a meat substitute in products like veggie burgers and vegan chicken, but also as a source of protein for livestock and farmed fish. A big part of the soy production occurs in Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, where the favourable climate allows for high crop yields. Within Europe, the Netherlands is the largest importer of soy, importing 2.51% of all soy, worth 2.19 billion dollars. Thus, soy is big business in our country! The cultivation of soy, however, has a dark side which can be most clearly seen in Brazil and is caused by three things mostly. Firstly, vast forest areas have been cleared to make way for soy fields, resulting in a significant loss of biological CO2 sequestration. This has detrimental consequences for global warming and biodiversity, as the rainforest is needed to reduce CO2 in the environment and houses a large variety of flora and fauna. Secondly, the use of pesticides and imported fertilizers in soy cultivation has raised concerns about environmental sustainability, as because it can lead to water pollution, for example in rivers and lakes surrounding the soy fields. Lastly, instances are known where farmers producing soy have been exploited and pushed excessively to get the most out of their land. Apart from this, local tribes that rely on the rainforest are being threatened in their survival. Since the Netherlands plays a big role in import and export of soy, this also comes with a responsibility to make sure the soy is of good quality and not a product of harmful malpractice to nature or the local population. The good news is that there are local initiatives that see these problems and that strive to produce soy in an environmentally friendly way, while also taking into consideration the wellbeing of farmers producing the crop. One of the companies taking initiative is Gebana Brasil, one of our portfolio companies at Anders Invest. They are contributing by promoting and processing organic, non-genetically modified soy and other grains and seeds, as well as fair compensation for farmers. Saskia Korink, investment director for Anders Invest, explains the approach of Gebana further: “Organic soy production also entails crop rotation. This means that a different crop is growing on a particular piece of land each growing season. This is very useful to prevent soil diseases, insect pests, weed problems and to build healthy soils." To drive significant change in the sustainability and ethics behind soy cultivation, it is important to look beyond well-known institutions like legislators and policy makers and support local endeavours that bring about tangible impact, mitigate deforestation, and pave the way for a genuinely sustainable future.
20 juli 2023
Bart Leemans‘ Vision for Service2Fruit: Redefining the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Background in the Food and Agri Sector Bart's career began in the international hospitality industry after completing his studies at the Maastricht Hotel School. After his studies he found himself on a new trajectory, transitioning to commercial roles within the food industry. When he became the commercial director for Fruitmasters and Koppert Cress, he used his knowledge from the hospitality industry to take advantage of input markets (such as ingredient) that supply restaurants and hotels. Next to his commercial activities he wants to drive positive change and leave this world as a better place. At S2F Bart found the perfect combination where he embraces the companies mission: “Always a fair deal.” Experience as Director As the new Director of Service2Fruit, Bart quickly adapted to his role and found satisfaction in overcoming new challenges. Building relationships, understanding team dynamics, and engaging stakeholders have been paramount in his early days. Bart utilizes his network to uncover opportunities and create mutually beneficial outcomes. He believes in empowering people; allowing them to make mistakes while being held accountable. In his own words, he adheres to the principle of being "rigorous when it comes to the quality of the content and compassionate towards the people involved.", Bart experiences some reservations regarding traditional titles such as CEO or Director, perceiving them as somewhat antiquated. He places more importance on being evaluated based on how people perceive him rather than being defined by his title. Service2Fruit S2F aims to foster direct communication between growers and buyers, creating a fair trading platform that benefits everyone involved. The platform offers four essential services. Firstly, it ensures transparency in the value chain by publishing all transactions (incl. prices, and quantities). Secondly, the cost of using the platform is a fixed commission per KG (as opposed to a % of the value), which means the platform has no incentive to influence prices. Thirdly, through an escrow account the platform provides financial security. As a grower or buyer, you either have money or product. Finally, S2F has an experienced and independent team of trade experts that facilitate deals on the platform. With these benefits, Bart explains that it is more beneficial to work with S2F: “In the agricultural sector, while ample product knowledge exists, navigating sales strategies for growers can be challenging. After initial sales have been conducted, a surplus is left for the farmer. They face the choice of establishing their own sales mechanism through a commission agent, cooperation, an auction, or to us! At S2F, we believe in transparent value chains, ensuring fair market prices for producers while minimizing unnecessary costs imposed by intermediaries. It is a widely acknowledged that intermediaries often claim a significant portion of the value, but our mission is to foster a more balanced distribution within the supply chain. Our track record substantiates this approach and shows the added value compared to traditional sales mechanisms: Through our platform, growers on average enjoy higher average kilo prices compared to traditional channels.” As a result, Quite often Service2Fruit is leading in setting the market price for Conference pears. Future Plans and Goals The value proposition of S2F has many advantages, as evidenced by positive feedback and sales. In light of this, Bart has set two ambitious goals for the future of S2F. His first goal is to prioritize promotion and widespread availability of the S2F platform. To do this, he works together with organizations of fruit growers and collaborates in both local and international markets, specifically for hard fruits. A good example of this is the recent collaboration with the fruit auction Zaltbommel (follow link here). Bart understands that it's not easy to get people interested in something new, so he emphasizes the importance of making people aware of the platform. He aptly captures this sentiment by stating: "unknown makes unloved." His second goal is to leverage the platform to expand into new markets and explore opportunities in different product groups. To accomplish this, it is crucial to identify markets that share similarities with the hard fruit market. Markets that benefit from transparency, security of payment, and independent expertise from an external sales team are ideal fits for the platform. Examples of comparable dynamics include flower bulbs, potatoes, and onions. With the support of Anders Invest, Bart sees endless possibilities for national and international expansion: “The goal is to become the Bol.com of the fruit and vegetable sector.” Conclusion Under the leadership of Bart Leemans, S2F is infused with a fresh wave of enthusiasm and commitment to establishing a fair and transparent market for growers. Bart's ambition and vision foresee limitless opportunities for the platform to expand and generate exceptional financial returns. By making strategic investments and capitalizing on the boundless possibilities, S2F aims to redefine the fruit and vegetable industry.
29 juni 2023