THE REVOLUTIONARY FARM

An important issue which people face is how we will feed the growing world population in a fair way. Without overexploiting nature, without excluding people and without tormenting animals. Now, our low food price is paid for at a high price elsewhere, for example, by the environment, animals, farmers, and our children. We realize that this can be done in a fairer way and turn words into deeds at Kipster.

For us, laying chickens are more than just egg machines that have to be set at maximum yield. We see the chicken as an animal with instincts and needs. In the design of the farm, the chicken is the main focus. We show that animal welfare is definitely a realistic option in combination with environmentally friendliness as well as financial feasibility.

Sustainability in agriculture and husbandry is necessary. Fortunately, the group of consumers who realize this is increasing. You also see that in the consumption of eggs. Battery cages are forbidden and each year the share of free range and organic eggs is growing. This is just a first step. We are making follow-up steps with innovations for chickens, hens, farmers and the environment. And for everyone who wishes to eat healthily and fairly at a reasonable price.

Using common sense and high-quality technology, we have developed a farm where the chicken is allowed to be a chicken again, and the environment is spared as much as possible. With realistic idealism, a feeling for brands and for markets, we are beginning to supply eggs in the Netherlands and expect to supply internationally in the near future. From October 2017, you will be able to buy Kipster eggs from Lidl.

We have worked on the development of Kipster for more than four years. The report ‘Houden van Hennen’ (Poultry farming’) by Wageningen University formed for instance the basis of our thinking. We also involved the Dutch Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Milieudefensie (Dutch environmental organization), Urgenda (sustainability organization) and numerous specialists in the design process. We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed ideas and cooperated. We thank in particular LidlNederland, the Dutch branch of Lidl, which was hugely involved in Kipster as an entrepreneur and pioneer.

Kipster is an initiative of Styn Cleassens (farmer and entrepreneur), Ruud Zanders (lecturer in healthy poultry farming and entrepreneur), Maurits Groen (environmental expert and entrepreneur) and Olivier Wegloop (communication strategist and entrepreneur).