In partnership with nature The solutions to most environmental and agricultural issues already exist, in nature. It’s our job to find them and develop a better understanding of these existing solutions so that we can apply them with respect, and in collaboration with nature itself. 2
Big impact starts small We no longer need to convince every world leader, legislator or consumer how crucial the development of sustainable food production solutions are for a safer, greener future. But that does not mean that our work is done, if anything we’re just getting started. Sharing our knowledge while working closely with experts and growers to develop more sustainable solutions for the horticultural, agricultural and livestock sectors continues to be a fruitful and rewarding process. Horticultural and agricultural practices need to change if we want to provide growing populations with clean and healthy foods in ways that are maintainable for the future. The demand for better, sustainable, safer food production methods continues to increase annually; proof that we are on track towards a more sustainable food chain. Koppert continues to explore the biological solutions hiding in nature, just waiting to be unlocked. We adapt these natural solutions to create accessible, sustainable, productive applications for use in agriculture, horticulture and livestock farming. We want to pass on a healthier planet to future generations. 3
From start-up to a global market leader In 1967, cucumber grower Jan Koppert searched for a new solution for fighting pests and diseases as the pesticides he was using were less effective every year. He was the first to find and introduce a natural solution: a natural enemy, the Phytoseiulus persimilis mite, to combat spider mites. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands and went looking for an alternative. While battling the notoriously stubborn spider mite he wondered what would happen if he introduced their natural enemy, the Phytoseiulus persimilis mite, to the crop. Not only did it work, it was much more effective than the chemical pesticides he’d relied on in the past! He decided to share his discovery with fellow growers, it worked for them too. And so, Koppert was born. 4
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Jan’s sons Peter and Paul Koppert and his nephew Henri Oosthoek saw the huge potential in this revolutionary natural innovation. They took a small business and transformed it into the pioneering global market leader that Koppert is today. Since those early days we have expanded our range of beneficial insects, introduced natural pollinators, developed microbial products, biostimulants and now our natural solutions are accessible to growers and farmers in over 100 countries worldwide. Today we have more than 50 years experience discovering and unlocking the natural, sustainable solutions hidden in nature, and now the next generation is leading us into the future. 7
OUR MISSION We contribute to the better health of people and the planet. In partnership with nature, we help to make agriculture healthier, safer and more productive. 8
We provide an integrated system of specialist cultivation knowledge and natural, safe solutions that increase crop health, resilience and production. 9
Driven by sustainable solutions Our ultimate goal – 100% sustainability in horticulture and agriculture 10
To produce safe crops and ensure food security, it is necessary to think in terms of sustainable cultivation systems. Fortunately, this aim is increasingly endorsed by consumers, retailers, legislators, NGOs and other stakeholders. The foundation for sustainable food production lies in protecting and ensuring vital and resilient ecosystems as the basis for healthy and resilient crops. It is in this field that Koppert’s expertise and strength lies. We are convinced that we can make a substantial contribution to this worldwide sustainable food safety and security goal. It is certainly our aim, but most importantly, it is our source of motivation. 11
Our core values 12
We partner with nature We feel that in everything we do, we make sure nature and people contribute to and benefit equally. We have a deep respect for nature. Nature is smart. Solutions for our worldly challenges lie within nature itself. It is vital that we stay connected and understand how nature works. We work for growers Koppert works for growers. Together we contribute to making safe, high quality and affordable food and ornamental crops available for consumers, while reducing the environmental impact. Growers are the key figures. We feel a strong responsibility to share our expertise to serve them in the best way possible. We build global networks Collaboration is in our DNA. We cannot do this on our own. We know that in order to get closer to realizing our mission and vision, we need to work together. That is why we are open to building relationships, externally as well as internally. We keep improving To achieve our ambition, we are continuously looking for better solutions and improving our processes, products, know-how and services. As growers rely on us, we work hard to keep innovating. We have an open mind to new ideas. We are pioneers. We are family We care, respect and value each other. We are welcoming and open. This value is not about family DNA but applies to a much larger network. The Koppert ‘family’ is united through values and a strong belief in biological solutions and sustainable growing practices. 13
OUR FIELD OF PLAY Horti Livestoc Agri c 14
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Spidex is here since 1967 and available in over 100 countries. 16
HORTICULTURE Aiming for 100% sustainability in horticulture We anticipate developments in the hightech production of greenhouse vegetables, ornamentals and soft fruits on all continents and find solutions to new pests and diseases through continuous research and development in a growing range of crops. More than 450 consultants are in close contact with growers worldwide to give them the benefit of our experience and the latest news on applicable innovations, while finding local solutions for local problems. Growers’ feedback is always welcomed, and we have come to regard this as a vital part of finding sustainable solutions. We have been successfully producing beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and predatory mites, as well as microbiological solutions to help growers control pests and diseases and restore the natural balance in crops, for more than five decades. Our extensive knowledge and experienced consultants are the key in this process. One of our greatest areas of positive impact has been in tomato cultivation. The use of crop protection chemicals in this field has been reduced enormously. Other greenhouse crops now benefit from the same approach in integrated systems of advanced monitoring, biological pest and disease control, bumblebee pollination and biostimulants that protect and build plant resilience for a healthy and productive crop. Having established ourself as a dominant player in sustainable solutions for the horticultural market, we now aim to reduce the need for chemical agents and synthetic fertilizers to a bare minimum, with its target set for 100% sustainability. New state-of-the-art production premises and R&D facilities ensure that the production of biologicals can now fully expand to support the company’s growth. Focused research and continuous alignment with growers’ demands worldwide mean that we work closely with growers. Our extensive knowledge of plant health and the production of both macro- and microbiological solutions are now also being applied successfully in open field agriculture. 17
Reducing the use of chemical agents and synthetic fertilizers while maximizing sustainable input efficiency for growers. 18
Our nematodes can be used in conventional, organic or zero residue growing methods 19
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AGRICULTURE Applying decades of biological know-how to agriculture While Koppert has earned its spurs in the biological control of pests and diseases in horticulture, the company is playing an increasingly important role in providing sustainable solutions for outdoor agriculture. Since 2011, this division has undergone exponential growth due to the demand for safe and secure food crops by retailers, consumers, NGOs, and farmers themselves. We can now invest more than five decades of accumulated knowledge in the development and application of beneficial insects, microbiological solutions and biostimulants to benefit a growing range of outdoor crops worldwide. As public censure, retailers’ demands and legislators shorten the list of chemical agents permitted for use in agriculture, and as the plant’s own resistance grows to pesticides, so the need for sustainable alternatives continues to rise. Koppert has responded to this growing market by investing heavily in its Research & Development Department to come up with effective and applicable solutions for pests and diseases in outdoor vegetables, fruit and other food and cash crops such as soya beans, sugar cane, rice and cotton. Crop trials in outdoor applications of a number biological solutions show that both macro- and microorganisms, as well as biostimulants developed for the agricultural market, not only control pests, but fight stress and diseases in plants to make them more resilient and productive. Having turned its attention to agriculture, the company is using its knowledge of rearing beneficial insects, and other biological solutions to stimulate innovation in the outdoor crop field with the development of accurate aerial and ground dispersal mechanisms for biological products over large areas. Digital apps such as mobile scouting with image recognition also offer solutions to farmers who wish to solve their problems online in a growing number of ways. Our sustainable innovations aim to reach farmers worldwide. 21
Biological solutions foster biodiversity in agricultural regions, benefiting not only crops but also ensuring safe food and food security. Trichoderma harzianum T-22 is not a picky fungus and thrives on pretty much anything that grows. 22
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Working on sustainable solutions for alternative protein sources and exploring natural enemies to control pests and diseases in livestock Quality protein is essential for healthy growth. Insect meals are filling this need for shrimp farmers. 24
LIVESTOCK An expanding Livestock Division. Livestock farmers are coming under increasing pressure to reduce their impact on the environment, with the result that there is a growing interest in biological solutions for this sector. The trend for effective, sustainable products with little or no environmental impact is the main driver of success for our products. Our Livestock Division addresses three important issues facing the world today: that of facilitating sustainable practices in animal husbandry, contributing to food and feed security, and adding more value to existing waste materials. The Koppert companies APPI and Bestico are our first to venture into this sector. Bestico is the production facility while APPI takes care of the commercial activities. Currently, we produce insects for professional aquaculture and the pet food market, including feed for garden birds, reptiles, ornamental fish, zoo animals and many more. Over twenty products are produced by this division, including applications for the control of pests and diseases in a range of animals that vary from exotic pets to commercially reared livestock. We aim to serve the livestock industry in the same way we have served both the horticultural and agricultural sectors; namely by providing biological solutions that bring value to the farmer, reduce the use of pesticides, and increase the positive impact on the environment. Insects have become vital for our food systems. Producing insects for food and feed creates a more circular model by upcycling waste materials and converting them into highly nutritional products resulting in increased food security and reduced carbon emissions. The by-product (frass) from the insect protein production has proved to be a popular product to enhance plant growth. A new market for flycontrol at waste management companies has proved to be successful, opening up more opportunities for future growth. The development of our biological solutions for animal health and nutrition contributes to our ultimate vision of achieving 100% sustainable horticultural, agricultural and livestock production. 25
Working on sustainable solutions for alternative protein sources and exploring natural enemies to control pests and diseases in livestock 26
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A world of expertise in Crop Teams Integrating resources internationally We work for growers. The measure of success depends largely on the ability of the organization to anticipate and identify market needs and align them with the solutions we offer and continue to innovate and improve. Throughout Koppert’s history we have stayed in touch with the needs of growers and the market. The importance of listening to changing demands will not diminish. In order to meet these needs, we have established a number of specialized Crop Teams. These Crop Teams have pooled their professional skills and local knowledge for specific crops with a worldwide database and R&D resources for a global strategy with local relevance. The role of crop teams is to collect, update, share and interpret data that enable consultants, R&D, Marketing, Sales, Product Development, Registration and Supply Chain to work together in one strategic and operational direction that leads to higher efficiency, better products and greater success for growers. Working in Crop Teams makes it easier to identify market dynamics, developments and trends, and develop new solutions. It enables us to make efficient business case analyses, evaluations and prioritize them. We build on each others strengths with clear accountability in a crossfunctional and collaborative manner that maximizes growth opportunities for crops and solutions. It has harmonized the way we work and aligns functions with business priorities to benefit growers. The change in focus in which we give full attention to finding effective solutions for specific crops worldwide opens a world of applicable solutions for the benefit of growers. 28
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BIOLOGICAL CONTROL Safe and healthy crops with natural solutions Growers around the world increasingly apply biological crop protection. As a result, the use of insecticides and artificial fertilizers in horticulture and agriculture has declined significantly. Produce grown with the help of biological crop protection is healthy and safe for both consumers and the environment. Our extensive knowledge and individual advice are the key to success. One of the best examples of our positive impact has been in tomato cultivation where the use of crop protection chemicals has decreased by 95%. Biological control, or as we more often call it, biocontrol, is the cornerstone of plant protection not only in greenhouses, but increasingly in large-scale outdoor crops such as soft fruits, soya, sugar cane and cotton, and now reaches into orchards, vineyards, field vegetables and other arable crops in an integrated and holistic approach for growing healthy crops. We successfully produced natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and predatory mites for more than 5 decades to help growers restore the natural balance in their crops. 35
Our vital bumblebees are always ready to do their valuable work 36
POLLINATION ‘Bee prepared’ is our motto when it comes to pollination Pollination is an annual challenge for growers when it comes to the production of vegetables, fruit and seed. We all know that well pollinated crops result in considerably higher yields and improve the quality and shelf life of these products. Today’s horticultural market is very dynamic and continuously influenced by many trends. Changing production techniques, artificial lighting, closed greenhouses, and global warming all have a huge impact on the work environment of our Natupol bumblebees. These changes in circumstances have led to various innovations developed in response to our customers’ changing requirements. Our pollination product portfolio and ‘best practice’ advice reflects this unique alignment with growers’ needs. We now produce over a million bumblebee hives annually to help growers cultivate their crops successfully around the world. The hives are produced at facilities located at four strategic sites so that they are reared close to their respective markets to ensure the highest vitality and availability. Our customers are supported by professional consultants worldwide. 37
POLLINATION Let’s get re to bumble More than 30 years of experience Our pollination product portfolio and ‘best practice’ advice reflects this unique alignment with growers’ needs. Are easy to use and require low maintenance. Are safe since they are not aggressive Up to 5000 square meters 38
Effective and efficient pollinators Provide maximum insurance for optimal pollination, due to their high amount of flower visits and large transfer of pollen. Are reliable workers, they work 7 days a week from dusk till dawn and even work well under poor weather conditions and greenhouse type environments. Bumblebees are reliable workers 39
Microbiological solutions keeping soil alive and restoring soil biodiversity 40
MICROBIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS Big impact starts small In addition to beneficials and pollinators, microbial products such as bacteria and fungi form a third pillar for the sustainable production of plants and crops. Even though they cannot be seen with the naked eye, these products – which can be used above ground and underground - combat diseases and pests, strengthen crops, and improve the absorption of nutrients. Pest control and disease suppression Microorganisms protect the crop against soil and seed-borne pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium and Sclerotinia. The beneficial microorganisms are often lethal for a range of fungal diseases. The bacteria or fungi on the roots of the crop compete for space and nutrients with the crop disease, inhibiting its development and thus strengthening the roots. Besides working curatively, the microorganisms ensure that the plant is also protected against future threats by boosting its induced resistance. This puts the plant in a heightened state of readiness. It is the combination of cure and protection that distinguishes a biological treatment from a standard one. Moreover, there is no risk of pathogens building a resistance against these types of microorganisms, with the added benefit that they are harmless for both humans and animals. Resilient growth The factors that influence crop resilience and crop vigour are continually being developed as the demands of customers increase. The right climatic conditions, sufficient light, good water management, accurate plant nutrition, and integrated pest management are all examples of these positive influences. As technology and variety improvements progress, the need to optimize plant health and potential will continue to play a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture. Integral parts of this approach include the creation and management of biodiversity within a healthy root zone, plus the steering of assimilates to influence and stimulate plant performance from field to end consumer. NatuGro optimizes the synergistic relationship between the plant and its environment, both above and 41
MICROBIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS below the ground. As crops become more resilient and balanced, many opportunities become available. This results in numerous long-term benefits, including a greater tolerance for plant stress, improvements in yield and quality, and a reduced dependency on inorganic inputs to control plant nutrients and plant diseases. Seed treatment While the use of chemical substances to treat seeds occurs on a large scale worldwide, treating seeds with biological substances is an application that is still less common. Our seed treatment programme is a good example of vision, knowledge and solutions coming together to produce a ground breaking application. Together, soil and seeds form the basis of every cultivation. We have proved to be in a position to provide these primary materials with a very specific, tailor-made coating, consisting of microorganisms that provide the perfect start. This mix improves the condition and biodiversity of the soil, ensuring that diseases have less chance of taking hold. At the same time, the availability of water and fertilizers is substantially enhanced, with the result that crops grow more rapidly and robustly and are therefore more productive. These smart coatings lead to a natural and sustainable start for crops such as maize, wheat and soya and eventually produce entirely residue free end products. In addition to beneficials and pollinators, microbial products such as bacteria and fungi form a third pillar for the sustainable production of plants and crops. 42
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Research & development The ongoing drive to discover and utilize natural principles forms the core of Koppert’s activities. Our strength lies in the ability to turn this knowledge into practical applications - using high quality industrial processes - to solve prevailing cultivation problems. From research into the vision of pollinating bees and the behaviour of beneficial microbes, to creating perfect breeding environments for predatory mites in high-tech sachets, and releasing beneficial insects from flying drones; the sky is literally the limit! Collaborating with research institutes and associated organizations around the world, our Research & Development departments have frequently been the source of (micro)biological solutions which have subsequently been adopted worldwide. It is thanks to our persistent research and in-depth knowledge that a whole variety of specific insects, mites, micro-organisms, fungi and bacteria can now be introduced to control a growing number of infestations. Other products boost the plant’s health and resilience in a holistic approach that significantly benefits the entire plant, below and above ground. We have achieved a great deal by listening to growers. Their feedback has often been essential for finding workable solutions. Similar ground-breaking discoveries with regard to pollination solutions have also provided the basis for enormous production efficiency and quality improvement in many crops worldwide. Solutions are only applicable and useful if they can be effectively reproduced and distributed. We at Koppert and our partners have been able to perfect this over the past few years 47
Meeting high quality control and supply chain standards If there is one thing that distinguishes Koppert’s products from that of its competitors, it’s the time, expertise and investment that it puts into the quality of its production, packaging and logistics. However long the production process and journey may be, Koppert does everything possible to see that our living products reach their destination ready to do their valuable work in the best condition possible. Live cargo needs the utmost care and timing to reach its destination in top condition. Rearing and transporting organisms such as insects and microbials requires: • Total quality control • Smart forecasting • Detailed supply planning • Specialized packaging and attention for handling, storage and shipping conditions • Informative instructions for use when products arrive at their destination To ensure that our products reach growers in prime condition, our departments need to cooperate closely to guarantee the quality and availability of our products globally. It takes a great deal of knowledge and technology, and strict adherence to protocols to control the health and reproduction of beneficials and pollinators, and ensure that these insects, microorganisms and pollinators are ready to do their work on arrival. Our pro-active approach means that we can guarantee the quality and the best availability of our products on five different continents. Production facilities in the Netherlands, Slovakia, Mexico, Turkey, Spain and the US ensure that the distance between our live products and the growers is as short as 48
possible and much attention is given to the quality control, life-enhancing carrier material of the organisms and specialized packaging before the products leave the Koppert premises. With more than 100 distribution countries, we are equipped to receive, store, and dispatch live products which often need to reach growers in a matter of days. When it comes to our packaging materials, logistics and transportation, special care is taken to use eco-friendly and/or recyclable materials to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible. We ensure that our living products are vital and ready to do their crucial work on arrival. 49
Digital transformation and technical support for growers We keep improving. Ensuring that products are of the best quality and readily available is sometimes not enough. They also need to be supported by a growing range of technologies. Our Digital Transformation Team has its finger on the pulse and an eye on the rapidly changing trends in horticulture and agriculture. Koppert offers an end-to-end solution that starts with monitoring the crop, followed by the interpretation of the gathered data to provide advice and the means to act and introduce our biological products at the most beneficial time for the crop. To deliver this solution, we provide digital tools, fit-for-purpose packaging, and physical equipment that are designed and built on our premises as well as in external partnerships for the best results. 50
One of our innovations, Natutec Scout, is a digital monitoring and interpretation tool. It consists of a smartphone application that uses computer vision as well as manual entry to collect monitoring data, with a web-based dashboard to interpret the data. It is set to become our primary digital touchpoint for our customers. This paves the way for digital communication with our technical consultants and online ordering based on their advice. We continue to improve the existing functionality by introducing sensors and algorithms that reduce the monitoring efforts and apply machine learning to predict pests and diseases, as well as providing part of the interpretation. This will allow our consultants to focus more on their relationships with our customers with strategic advice on challenging situations that require personal attention. Recent technological developments also include the introduction of ways to release beneficial insects from the air using drones and on the ground with automated equipment. The release mechanisms, which are developed at Koppert are patented by us to provide an edge over our competitors. These devices enable growers to disperses the insects more accurately and over larger tracts of farmland than was previously possible, reducing time and labour costs at the same time. These and future technologies are set to increase efficiency and productivity for our growers. Just some of the technical innovations that keep you in step with the future and are designed to get the best out of our products. 51
Corporate regulatory and legal affairs Calling for accelerated market access of sustainable (micro)biologicals It can take years to register biological products both within the Netherlands and abroad. The European Union has some of the toughest regulatory laws. Part of the problem is that there is no specific category for biologicals used to benefit horticulture and agriculture, so that all the laws that apply to chemical protection agents, apply to sustainable biological alternatives too. Koppert has been actively lobbying for more flexible and rapid registration of biologicals on many fronts; through the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and BioStimulants council (EBIC) and by keeping various influential stakeholders and policy makers informed. In fact, the company now has a specialized Corporate Market Access Department established to smooth the way forward to a more equitable deal for biological pest and disease control products in general. The team works on all kinds of Intellectual Property projects; from registrations, organic certifications, and trademarks to patents and licenses globally. We share the view that much of the current legislation lags behind retail and consumer demand for safe and residue-free food. We actively promote the use of sustainable biological alternatives for healthy and safe food, now and in the future. Actively promoting legislation for safe food and biodiversity. 52
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HIVEMINDS We grow by sharing knowledge Knowledge sharing is one of our core activities. As a growing knowledge company with 29 subsidiaries worldwide and more than 450 professional consultants operating globally, sharing the latest research results and experience in the field is part of our daily routine. We exchange our knowledge with various stakeholders including growers, distributors and research organizations through websites, online videos, webinars and publications in the media. Our 443-page reference book on pests and diseases and their biological solutions, ‘Knowing and recognizing’, is now in its third edition. In addition, the popular Koppert scouting and side-effects apps are in continuous development by our Technical Applications Department in order to keep tread with the knowledge generated by R&D and our consultants. The company’s strength lies in its ability to turn its knowledge into sustainable solutions for horticulture, agriculture. 55
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EXPERIENCE CENTER Experience our innovations and successes for yourself Opened by Dutch King Willem-Alexander on the occasion of the company’s Golden Jubilee in 2017, Koppert’s Experience Centre annually draws thousands of visitors from a growing number of countries. The journey of discovery through the exhibition starts with the company’s history and its exploration of nature to find solutions to the most prevalent pests and diseases; it then looks at the secret network of plants, introduces you to our natural enemies; the beneficial insects and microorganisms, and shows you how we partner with nature to find sustainable solutions for horticulture and agriculture. The centre, located at the heart of the company’s headquarters, has proved to be an exciting and informative experience for all those who have passed through this 250 m² maze of interactive displays on macro- and micro-organisms, giant bumblebee hive and pollination solutions, and many of the company’s R&D and production activities. It shows that we are more than just a production company and that, above all, we are a knowledge company and wish to share our hardearned experience. The audio visuals in English, Spanish, German, Dutch and French inform a growing number of visitors that include foreign ambassadors, EU politicians and policymakers, and a number of ministries, local and foreign journalists, NGOs and consumer groups. We also plan tours for interested students and academics from as far afield as the US, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Kenya, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Korea and Japan, to name but a few. But the mainstay of the Experience Centre continues to be Koppert’s customers and distributors who visit the centre to learn more about the added value of biological solutions for their crops and companies. Curious to know how Koppert aims to make horticulture and agriculture more sustainable and how it contributes to the health of people and the planet? Our Experience Centre at headquarters will show you how we apply our innovations and knowledge in the field. Visit our Experience Centre and join our interactive journey through the world of sustainable cultivation. 57
Established on the occasion of Koppert’s 50th jubilee, the foundation focusses on three areas of which two are directly related to knowledge sharing. The Koppert Foundation provides knowledge of sustainable agriculture and contributes towards educational and training programmes for farmers who have little or limited access to skills and knowledge of sustainable and profitable 58 farming practices. The Koppert Foundation contributes to projects that make sustainable farming inputs available and accessible in areas where this is not (yet) taken for granted. This work is done in close collaboration with local organizations that understand the situation and specific needs on the spot. We work for growers while further building our global networks for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.
The Koppert Foundation promotes our mission to ‘Partner with Nature’ to some of the most remote corners of the world. 59
Join us! and be part of the solution! 60
One Koppert family Everyone working at Koppert feels they can play a role in finding or supporting biological solutions for horticulture and agriculture. It’s what motivates and inspires us each working day. Whether we are exploring new beneficials or microbials in our laboratories, controlling the quality of our live products, or organizing the logistics for getting bumblebee hives to customers around the world; our employees working in different functions and roles are collaborating every day to promote sustainable cultivation projects in their own way. This means giving pests and diseases less chance to harm crops and providing sustainable solutions for growers to increase yields while making them less reliant on artificial fertilizers and chemical protection agents. That is the challenge that we at Koppert face each day. With more than 2500 employees on 4 continents and 29 subsidiaries worldwide, we are truly international and depend on expertise from all corners of the world. Nationalities and cultures may differ within Koppert, but we have one thing in common and that is our mission to contribute to the better health of people and the planet in partnership with nature. Join us and be part of the solution! The world has many mouths to feed and sustainability issues to solve. We cannot think of a better cause to dedicate our work to. 61
Our journey towards 100% sustainability 62
For more than 50 years we have helped growers around the world to restore agricultural ecosystems by using biological solutions we have found in nature itself to boost farm productivity and control pests and diseases. The use of our natural macro- and microbiological products for pest and disease control also protects the soil quality and environmental biodiversity by reducing or eliminating the need for chemical pest control and artificial fertilizers. When it comes to sustainable cultivation, we help growers to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their positive global impact on the earth. 63
Our contribution to the Sustainability Development Goals In 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offered the world a blueprint towards achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The 17 goals target poverty, hunger, education, gender inequality, clean water and other critical issues. Controlling pests and diseases in the greenhouse using predatory mites and wasps; making plants more resilient by using biostimulants in the soil, and introducing bumblebees to improve pollination, have all, directly and indirectly, enabled a significant reduction in the use of chemicals in horticulture and agriculture, ultimately improving the ecosystem. We promote food security, improve nutrition and foster sustainable horticulture and agriculture, helping to end hunger by controlling pests and diseases using beneficial insects and biostimulants that offer sustainable alternatives for growers to produce residue-free fruit, vegetable and other crops. Our products work both above ground and around the root system in a holistic approach that promotes plant health and biodiversity. We actively promote integrated crop management practices in both the developed world as well as smallholders in less developed countries, sharing our knowledge with not-for-profit organizations, research centres and academia to reach growers around the world. Amongst other social projects, the Koppert Foundation provides training in integrated pest management to ‘plant doctors’ who advise local growers on sustainable plant protection practices. Innovation is part of Koppert’s DNA. The ongoing drive to discover and utilize natural principles forms the core of our activities. Koppert’s strength lies in its ability to turn this knowledge into practical applications which contribute to finding sustainable solutions to prevailing problems in horticulture and agriculture. In doing so, Koppert is a ‘Partner’ for the SDG Goals. 64
We can prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, but no single individual or entity can achieve this alone. We will only succeed if everyone plays their part, so join us on our journey towards 100% sustainability. 65
Next generation leading Koppert into the future For over 50 years, we have been pushing agricultural innovation. The next generation of leaders is now leading our company into the future. They aim to fulfil the company’s ultimate vision of 100% sustainable agriculture. 66
René Koppert CEO “ We will continue to create the company’s future together, to safeguard our core values and – above all – to continue to work towards our vision and make a positive impact on agriculture.” Joram Oosthoek CFO “ We need to improve every day! To achieve our ambitious purpose; we need a healthy financial basis and reliable reporting. With our sustainability ambitions, we wish to lead by example in the industry.” Martin Koppert CBO “ Our aim is to increase the success of existing and future microbials and develop new agricultural markets. We wish to have the same impact on the agri sector as we have.” René Ruiter CBO “ Building up a professional customer focused organization where people enjoy working is our aim.” Peter Maes CSO “ It is very important we stay close to our roots and core competence. In this changing world we see a huge potential towards a pesticide-free agriculture. Our role is to drive that movement.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) René Koppert, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Joram Oosthoek, Chief Business Officer (CBO) for Agriculture Martin Koppert, CBO for Horticulture René Ruiter, and Chief Strategy Officer, Peter Maes. 67
Koppert B.V. Veilingweg 14 2651 BE, Berkel en Rodenrijs The Netherlands +31 (0)10 514 04 44 info@koppert.com Koppert.com
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