Reintroducing oats in the Netherlands: bottlenecks and opportunities

As a result of a POP3 Oat-project in the Province of Utrecht, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research and Keep Food Simple set up a ‘Taskforce Oats’ in 2021. At the beginning of 2022, the taskforce published a position paper ‘Reintroducing Oats in the Netherlands’. This paper stated that despite the unique properties of oats that make it a healthy grain for humans, animals and the soil, cultivation in the Netherlands has been minimal for years. On 11 May 2022, the taskforce organized a symposium to discuss the key bottle necks and opportunities in relation to the production and consumption of oats in the Netherlands: One Health, sustainability and viable business models. A wide range of stakeholders including amongst others BO Akkerbouw, LTO, Ministry of Agriculture, Wiersum Plantbreeding and several oat producers and processors joined the debate.

Summary of the position paper ‘Reintroducing Oats in the Netherlands’

The unique properties of oats make it a healthy grain for humans, animals and the soil. Consumption of oats has a satiating effect and has a positive effect on the immune system. It lowers cholesterol levels and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Furthermore, oats fit into a gluten-free diet.

In addition, the cultivation of oats has advantages for the soil condition and fits in with sustainable and/or circular agriculture.

However, the cultivation of oats in the Netherlands has been minimal for years because the (financial) yields of alternative crops (wheat, barley) for farmers are higher. The production of oats is now so limited that companies that would like to process Dutch oats cannot always source them. In addition, the taste and composition of oats limits the use of oats in e.g. products such as bread and pasta.

The special properties of oats for soil, humans and animals mean that, within the current social context in which a transition is made to sustainable agriculture and a healthy diet, the cultivation and processing of oats in the Netherlands deserves a reconsideration. The challenge here is to develop a revenue model for farmers and processors in which the properties of this crop are valued economically throughout the chain 'from soil to mouth'.

The symposium on 10 May 2022

Despite all the advantages in cultivation for human and animal health, the cultivation of oats continues to decline in the Netherlands. The main reason is that there is (yet) no revenue model for Dutch farmers and processors. In working sessions we brainstormed about concrete solutions that could contribute to this revenue model.

Selection of conclusions and follow up ideas

• Consumers are ignorant about the health-promoting properties of oats. Better communication of these properties could promote the consumption of oats. However, the typical taste of oats could also be an inhibition. The anti-inflammatory effect could be further investigated. Health claims in relation to oats have so far have had no influence on production in the Netherlands, but could lead to higher consumption;
• In relation to animal feed, price is always leading. Also, soy protein cannot simply be replaced by oat protein in terms of nutritional value. There is, however, a trend in which the functional properties of animal feed is also becoming more important. The functional properties of oats for animals could be better researched and quantified. The effects may be different for various animals;
• The processing of oats requires expensive equipment and causes more financial losses than other grains. We need more research into this;
• The trajectories needed to detect the real effects of oats on soil and the yields of oats in relation to intercropping are long-term. Farmers are unfamiliar with the cultivation of oats and the properties of oat cultivation. They could be informed about this in further details;  
• The yield of oat will depend very much on the local situation. In fact, a business case will have to be made for each specific situation in which the advantages for farmers are clearly demonstrated.  It might be a good idea to seek a connection with the KPIs of the biodiversity monitor.