Over the last months, GFLI has been discussing with various European feed associations to find an integral solution for covering GFLI database use on an industry-wide level. Deutscher Verband Tiernahrung e.V. (DVT), the German feed association, has proceeded as one of the first pilot associations to get this tailormade license to cover the use of the GFLI database for all its members and associated partners.
Access to standardised environmental data
The license agreement permits companies to utilize the data on individual raw materials for commercial purposes, including internal assessments, feed composition consulting activities, reports, presentations, and research and development projects. The aim is to objectively evaluate feed rations, taking into account their environmental impact, and to identify potential for optimization. The data provides a fact-based basis for decision-making that supports the further development of the industry from a sustainability perspective with sustainable feeding strategies. ‘As pioneers in objective sustainability reporting, we as feed industry are proud to be able to provide farmers with all the data they need to assess the environmental impact of feed rations,’ emphasizes Dr. Hermann-Josef Baaken, Managing Director of DVT.
Looking towards the future
The user case as presented through DVT is very relevant for GFLI to be the reference for animal feed emissions in the German market. The license structure allows for a more tailormade pricing structure, which creates opportunity for the database to be used by small feed corporates. Creating a fair level playing field where every feed company can participate in is important to assure the market can carry out the requests from the value chain to comply with environmental footprints.
This current structure is being piloted by a few feed associations to understand the feasibility of such a license and how it may impact the way the market moves. During the year of the license running, we’ll reflect upon a structure that is replicable and scalable for any feed(-related) association in a global setting.
Read the full article from DVT here [EN]& [DE].
About DVT
The German Feed Association (DVT) is an independent trade association that represents the interests of companies that manufacture, store and trade in feed, premixes and additives for farm animals and pets. DVT has approximately 270 member companies operating in the German animal feed market. The association represents about 90 percent of the German animal feed market, making it the largest advocacy group for the animal feed sector and the leading voice of the industry in Germany.
DVT represents the interests of its members within feed and nutrition, both as an advisory and supporting role on technical matters. As an intermediary between the animal feed industry and the agricultural and food sectors, policymakers, the media, other economic sectors, government agencies, the scientific community, and the public, the German Animal Feed Association is the central point of contact for all matters relating to animal feed.