The 'Groningen White Headed' breeds well in nature reserved areas

Dutch peatlands are of a high recreational and environmental value. However, this particular land is often used for the purpose of dairy farming. Draining the land, necessary for the general form of dairy farming, causes the peat to disappear and results in subsidence. Increasing the groundwater table would help to conserve the peatland and hence the landscape. Several areas in the Netherlands have already been selected to work towards increased groundwater tables. Although this prevents the subsidence and emission of greenhouse gasses, today's dairy farmers are mostly not able to have their cattle breed at pasture in wet peatlands (because of the characteristics of the breed). The Blaarkop, however, can quite easily cope with these areas.

For this reason the Vereniging Blaarkop Studieclub Utrecht e.o. and Natuurmonumenten set up a project with the Blaarkop in a leading role. The purpose of the project is to stimulate a sustainable cooperation between nature conservation organizations and dairy farmers in Dutch peat areas aimed to have increased groundwater tables. The main activities focus on public information, and informing and motivating dairy farmers in breeding the Blaarkop. The supply chain partners involved in the development of the Blaarkop value chain are: Kruidenier Groep, Vlees- en Vleeswarenbedrijf Ruitenburg, Boeder's Veehandel, Hunland Impex and Rivierduin G38 Advies. CREM has an advisory role in many of the supply chain activities, including concerning the activities around the Blaarkop in peatlands referred to above.

• Contact: Jolanda van Schaick >>

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