Helma Lodders was appointed chairperson of Vee&Logistiek Nederland on 8 May 2021. Until recently, Ms Lodders was agricultural spokesperson for the VVD in the House of Representatives. Before that she was, among other things, alderman in Zeewolde. Her husband runs a dairy farm and both her grandfathers were cattle dealers. On 7 June, Helma Lodders visited VAEX. She wants to get to know as many members as possible of Vee&Logistiek Nederland and the sector. To this end, she is visiting various companies, including VAEX.
Working today on tomorrow's future: the motto of many entrepreneurs in the livestock logistics sector. Entrepreneurs who are constantly looking for opportunities to raise animal welfare during transport to an even higher level. It is in no one's interest for animals to arrive at their destination stressed or injured, least of all the livestock trader, transporter or exporter. That's why quality of livestock transport and animal welfare are high on the livestock logistics agenda.
I know many fine examples of this. At VAEX, that is the latest insulated livestock trailer with cross ventilation, a cooling engine and bodywork cooling. This reduces the air temperature by a few degrees. Furthermore, the flow of cooler air helps to evaporate extra moisture from the animals en route. Innovative, sustainable and designed for the future.
In the coming period (autumn 2022), the amendment of the transport regulations is on the agenda in Europe. Our Minister of Agriculture recently anticipated the political debate by banning long-distance transport.
A worrying development; for the position of the Dutch industry, but also for countries where our high-quality (breeding) cattle go. We contribute to food production in many developing countries.
That is why Vee&Logistiek Nederland is committed to work- able rules and standards for our entrepreneurs, with a scientific basis. To this end, we are, for example, conducting research into animal welfare during transport in public-private partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, and Wageningen University & Research.
I am confident that it will help us prove that Dutch cattle transporters have their knowledge and fleet in order and spare no effort to get our beautiful Dutch cattle to their destination in top condition and stress-free. Even if that destination is more than eight hours or 500 kilometres away.