From the 19th century onwards they were also bred extensively in America, where they were given the name Holstein-Friesian. After 1950, these American descendants returned to the Netherlands, because they now produced more milk than the Dutch breeds. At the Dairy Campus, everything revolves around innovation, research and education. Researchers work together with businesses, educational institutions and dairy farmers to develop a sustainable dairy chain. And that means that they are working on many topics, such as biodiversity, green energy, emission reduction and healthy soil. All components that contribute to high-quality dairy and a healthier planet.

A visit to the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences is a phenomenal addition to any conference. This is where theory and practice come together, and conference visitors can experience the latest developments in the field.

A SUSTAINABLE DAIRY CHAIN WITH RESPECT FOR THE PLANET AND ITS INHABITANTS

The same applies to the Dairy Campus: part of Wageningen Livestock Research and a leading research and training centre for dairy farming and the dairy chain. Here, science and education work in tandem on a sustainable future for the dairy sector. Of course this takes place in Friesland: this is where the famous black and white Holstein Friesian cows come from. Did you know that these dairy cows originally come from a cross between Frisian and Batavian cattle?

HEALTHY EATING TO STAY HEALTHY: OUR INNOVATIVE AGRIFOOD PROJECTS

Agrifood/sustainable agriculture is another equally innovative and inspiring top sector. Logical since many Frisian villages and towns have historically grown around agriculture. You can still see this in the many farms and fields. In the coastal areas and in the north of the province, we reclaimed the fertile clay soil from the sea long ago. We’ve been growing grain there since then, and also sugar beets since the 19th century. The sandy soil in the southeast is more suitable for growing vegetables and raising livestock.

To keep Friesland healthy and future-proof, this top sector works primarily on improving food production and biodiversity, and on reducing the environmental impact. Here the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences plays a connecting pioneering role.

As a University of Applied Sciences, it facilitates students, scientists and entrepreneurs to work together towards a healthier planet. They train ambitious professionals who will make a difference in important social issues around the world. Every day, they work in an international group on future-proof dairy farming systems, the circular food chain, soil health and food as medicine.

MORE THAN 100 COMPANIES AND 25 UNIVERSITIES WORK ON WATER TECHNOLOGY

One of our knowledge sectors is water technology. This leading position fits perfectly with the Frisian character. Frisians come to life when they can contribute to the bigger picture. They are intrinsically motivated to commit themselves to meaningful projects and research. Clean (drinking) water is essential for life. Here and in the rest of the world. That’s why we like to use our knowledge and expertise to work together on safe and sustainable water solutions.

These inspiring collaborations mainly take place in the scientific water institute Wetsus, which was founded in Leeuwarden in 2003. Here we join forces internationally: more than 100 companies and 50 professors from 25 universities across Europe all work together. They devise sustainable solutions, for example for water purification and quality improvement, so safe drinking water remains available for everyone.

Wetsus functions as a ‘knowledge machine’, where scientific ideas are developed into patents and research reports. Companies then focus on applying them in practice and scaling them up. This makes Wetsus a breeding ground for innovations and an important player in the global water technology sector. So it's not surprising conference visitors like to visit this renowned institute.

Friesland offers plenty of room for pioneering and entrepreneurship. We develop innovations in the fields of water technology, sports and sustainable agriculture/ agrifood that are implemented worldwide. We also conduct research here in collaboration with professors from all over Europe. Immerse yourself in our progressive view of the world.