Danish cooperatives join forces on green protein for organic pig and poultry feeds
Danish agriculture has been intensively researching and working to develop locally produced protein sources, to try and reduce the country’s dependence on soy imports.
The joint venture, BioRefine Denmark Limited, will produce concentrated protein out of grass, clover and alfalfa. The plant is set to go live in May this year.
The final product will be a 55% protein concentrate, used in organic feeds for laying hens, poultry and pigs.
In terms of capacity, the plant, which is based in Nybro in Jutland, can produce up to 7,000 tons per year, said the partners.
Commenting on the initiative last year, Truels Damsgaard, CEO, DLF, said perennial forage crops have a top-notch climate and environmental profile, and the promotion of greater use of these crops would help ensure a more sustainable future for agriculture.
The new entity is not an equal partnership. DLG owns 50% of BioRefine Denmark, while Danish Agro and DLF each account for 25% of the shares.
Production goals, raising awareness
Will there be more such biorefinery operations coming out of this alliance in the near future? “The focus right now is on getting BioRefine up and running and developing the best possible sustainable green protein [products],” said Søren Møgelvang Nielsen, spokesperson for Danish Agro.
He said that BioRefine Denmark has received good support from the Danish government, and the project saw funding from the country’s business development scheme, Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP).
“We are now also working on raising awareness of the potential of such green protein products at the European level,” Møgelvang Nielsen told us.
Initially, the goal is to further help develop Danish organic animal husbandry based on locally produced protein. However, future plans would include producing protein for human consumption.
