On Monday 20 January, Nutricycle Vlaanderen welcomed 100 people at its Inspiration Day in Drongen (Ghent), discussing the future of nutrient recovery in Flanders.
Representatives of companies, farmers and agricultural organisations as well as government bodies, sector organisations and knowledge institutions, shared their views during a panel discussion, followed by numerous presentations and inspiring testimonials from the field.
During the keynotes, crucial topics around nutrient recovery and circular agriculture were explored in depth, each time complemented by practical examples. Flemish farmers organisation Boerenbond stressed the importance of correct fertiliser management and called for more room for innovation and legal certainty within the sector.
Flanders' FOOD discussed alternative protein sources such as duckweed, microalgae and microbial proteins, which can grow on nutrient-rich waste streams. Aquafin gave insights into nutrient and energy recovery from wastewater and VCM closed the session with an outlook on RENURE as a potential fertiliser replacement and techniques to recover nitrogen from manure.
Audience Award
Which testimonial deserved the audience award? That was the question put to the audience at the end of the inspiration day.
A total of eight organisations had been able to present their inspiring case during a short pitch between the key note speakers.
Finally, Kris Heirbaut was considered to be the most innovative farmer and won the Award.
