As the world’s population grows, demand for animal protein will continue to rise. Over time, this need for ever-increasing quantities of animal protein, which is already placing tremendous pressure on our planet’s finite natural resources, will lead to significant environmental strain, and take our food systems well beyond the planet’s boundaries.
The need to provide enough animal protein for a growing population, while reducing the environmental costs of farming will require smart science and innovative solutions. To address this challenge, DSM Animal Nutrition and Health has launched its cutting edge new strategic initiative: We Make it Possible. Its mission is to lead a robust and achievable transformation worldwide in sustainable animal protein production, and to accelerate solutions that will foster a brighter future.
“DSM is purpose-led and performance driven, and we know that the agriculture industry can transform itself from within,” said DSM’s Animal Nutrition and Health President Ivo Lansbergen. “For too long, sustainability has been someone else’s problem, a problem for tomorrow. But it is not an impossible challenge. We believe we can make animal farming sustainable. Our need is to be providing a decent living for farmers and affordable proteins to the world population, all while reducing the footprint of animal farming. We Make it Possible is a commitment to tangible and actionable solutions that cater to the customers we care most about: people and planet earth.
Sustainability is in our DNA. We want to demonstrate our new vision, both within DSM and beyond, how we see the future of the farming industry and the role we want to play. This strategic initiative reflects our commitment not only to be part of the value chain but to be a change agent, steering the global conversations, connecting the various stakeholders of the farming ecosystem, thinking ahead, generating ideas and new ways of working. If not now, when?”
Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14*, the strategic initiative is driven by six sustainability platforms that will address the major challenges facing the animal farming industry. These are:
- Improving the lifetime performance of farm animals
- Improving the quality of food (i.e., meat, milk, fish, eggs), while reducing food loss and waste
- Reducing emissions from livestock
- Making efficient use of natural resources
- Reducing the reliance on marine resources
- Helping tackle anti-microbial resistance
“DSM has a long and rich heritage in the sustainability arena, and it is on that basis that we operate as a purpose-led company. Companies can no longer delay this aspect. They must step up and embrace sustainability in all aspects: it is vital to the success of business, just as it is vital to everything else,” said Christie Chavis, Vice President at DSM Animal Nutrition and Health. “We will create value across three dimensions simultaneously: People, Planet and Profit.”
“By applying our science, innovation and sustainability leadership behind these key areas, we believe we can make a substantial difference to the sustainability of the animal protein industry,” said David Nickell, VP of Sustainability & Business Solutions at DSM Animal Nutrition and Health. “At DSM, we are taking responsibility for our own role in protecting the planet, and have and continue to develop business solutions that enable the industry to make affordable and measurable improvements in the sustainability of animal protein, and we hope that many others will follow suit.”
The We Make It Possible strategic initiative comes after many years of investment and innovation in scientific solutions aimed at providing real answers to the challenges facing the agriculture industry, and marks not a new beginning, but a significant acceleration of the journey towards a more sustainable future.
*The UN sustainable development goals are a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future for all. The goals listed above are as follows: 2 - Zero hunger; 3 - Good health and wellbeing; 12 - Responsible consumption and production; 13 - Climate Action; 14 - Life below water (Source).
