F&O meets Power Platform: The FarmPlus Story

We recently celebrated our 10th Food Inspiration Day at the Microsoft Office in Copenhagen. During this event we heard in-depth stories from various companies, including FarmPlus (formerly known as CZAV). With this blog we aim to highlight the most important insights from their session. Curious to find out more? Read this blog post and let FarmPlus inspire you.

Rooted in Zeeland with plans to expand

At the start of the Food & Process value chain, a remarkable story unfolds with FarmPlus, a cooperative primarily composed of arable and fruit farmers. Rooted in Zeeland, FarmPlus has expanded its reach across the Netherlands and Belgium, recently implementing Dynamics 365 to pave the way for future endeavors, including a recent significant merger with CAV De Wieringermeer. The cooperative, soon to be known as Farm Plus, aims to bolster capabilities and engage international stakeholders.

FarmPlus boasts a membership of 3000, spanning various farming sectors. Before the merger, they employed 170 individuals and achieved a turnover of approximately €600 million, subject to grain and fertilizer prices. Their product offerings are diverse, ranging from fertilizers and crop protection solutions to seeds, and they also purchase produce from their members.

The strategy of FarmPlus: a focus on the future

The cooperative's strategic focus is on adapting to agricultural shifts while emphasizing food security, health, and sustainability for farmers. Traditional crop management tools are evolving, and FarmPlus is at the forefront, advocating for green crop protection solutions and soil expertise. Mechanized weeding and expert guidance are becoming increasingly important, as our rapidly changing world necessitates informed decision-making and adaptation.

The approach of FarmPlus to the future of crops and sustainable practices is both innovative and collaborative. They recognize the importance of adapting to climate variations and the need for sustainable business models. The choice of future crops is context-dependent, and FarmPlus is committed to providing cultivation plans, market insights, and advice to their farmers. Their role spans from planning to harvest, ensuring food security and sustainable practices.

A portal that brings everyone together

Wydo van der Lee, ICT manager and Project leader ICT strategy at FarmPlus, sheds light on the cooperative's multifaceted role within the supply chain. FarmPlus connects retail and grower sides, with sales extending to retail, feed, and the global market. Information flows both ways, benefiting both FarmPlus and growers. The cooperative actively acquires knowledge from universities, industry organizations, and logistics, assessing risks and considering factors like freshwater availability and pre-crop conditions.

The portal of FarmPlus is a direct line to growers, managing certifications, orders, returns, events, and harvest preparations. Predictive features assist in estimating harvest quantities, and Power BI is employed for reporting within the portal. The combination of tools like Dynamics 365, Power Apps, and mobile apps enhances communication, data sharing, and decision-making across the supply chain.

A sustainable approach

Navigating agricultural challenges is no small feat, and FarmPlus is dedicated to guiding growers on sustainable approaches, adaptation to changes, and risk management. The cooperative balances these aspects with food demand and limited space while effectively analyzing data to provide better advice.

FarmPlus maintains a focus on supporting farmers, addressing data connectivity and protection, exploring innovative cultivation methods, and collaborating beyond benchmarking. Their forward-looking approach includes new concepts in crop protection and a shift from a product-centric to a process-centric approach. FarmPlus anticipates market trends and maintains a dialogue with members to align strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FarmPlus thrives in agriculture by navigating change, strategic investment, and prioritizing collaboration. Their emphasis on cooperation, knowledge collection, and transparent information sharing enables them to understand growers, market dynamics, and customer preferences, maintaining their vital role in the supply chain of their members.