ISSUE FOCUS 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022 FOOD FOR FEED “Circularity in feed production is a concept that is still being defined. An initiative that is growing amongst feed producers, is the use of residual streams, or so-called by-products, from the food, beverage and fermentation industry. The European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) has defined food byproducts as ‘non-food-grade ingredient recovered as a secondary raw material from the (local) circular economy with a low land use footprint’…” Circular food production is an emerging concept within the complex food production landscape. Compared to traditional linear models, a circular food system should integrate incoming and outgoing materials into an endless loop. Only through strong collaboration between stakeholders can the industry optimize this infinite loop of efficient, sustainable food production and work towards a new circular approach to feeding the future. The topic of food production is covered in the media daily, given its significant impact on the environment, habitat and human health. Transparency and traceability are of vital importance as circular food systems aim for minimal nutrient loss along the chain. While the media, often describe circularity as a prescription for a sustainable future, what exactly is a circular food system? And what role can the animal feed production chain play in supporting circularity? THE ROLE AND AVAILABILITY OF BY-PRODUCTS FOR FEED Circularity in feed production is a concept that is still being defined. An initiative that is growing amongst feed producers, is the use of residual streams, or so-called by-products, from the food, beverage and fermentation industry. The European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) has defined food by-products as ‘non-food-grade ingredient recovered as a secondary raw material from the (local) circular economy with a low land use footprint’. Since food and beverages are generally produced locally or regionally, there is a global supply of these non-food-grade ingredients. Upcycling these by-products to become available as a valuable nutrient source for feed requires smooth collaboration and cooperation between industry partners. ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES In 2021, the Netherlands provided 5.415 million metric tons of high-moisture by-products to act as feed ingredients for the agricultural industry (OPNV, 2022). Converted to dry feed ingredients, this accounts for 1.25 million metric ton of feed Evelien van Donselaar Business Manager Food2Feed Selko Feed Additives
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==