Episode #32
Biodiversity differences in farming around the world: with Wilco Brouwer de Koning | Ep. 136
Farmers around the world are being asked to become more sustainable—but who pays for it, and how do we decide what "sustainable" actually means? In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with fellow dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar Wilco Brouwer de Koning to explore what he's learned studying biodiversity across dairy systems around the world. From the Netherlands' intense regulatory environment to New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, Wilco has discovered that sustainability priorities can look dramatically different depending on where you farm. The conversation digs into the tradeoffs between climate, biodiversity, water quality, food production, animal welfare, and farm profitability—and why improving one metric can sometimes make another worse. Wilco also explains how the Netherlands is using standardized farm data and KPIs to reward farmers through milk premiums and lower interest rates, offering a glimpse of what a market for biodiversity and sustainability could eventually look like globally. If farmers are going to be asked to produce more than food, Wilco argues they also need a system that recognizes—and rewards—the additional value they create. MEET THE GUEST Wilco Brouwer de Koning is a third-generation dairy farmer from Heiloo in the western Netherlands, where he operates Farm Ter Coulster with his family. The farm milks approximately 180 cows across 125 hectares in one of the most densely populated areas of the country, creating a unique intersection between commercial dairy farming, nature, and the surrounding community. Wilco's approach to farming centers around three pillars: grazing, working alongside nature, and connecting agriculture with society. The farm includes 35 hectares dedicated to nature, while Wilco and his family actively engage their local community through direct sales, social media, farm events, and their well-known spring "dancing cows" celebration. Beyond the farm, Wilco is active with LTO Netherlands and represents dairy farmers within the International Dairy Federation. He has been particularly involved in developing Key Performance Indicators that can measure—and ultimately reward—farmers for improvements in biodiversity and sustainability. As a Nuffield Scholar, Wilco is traveling globally to study how different dairy industries measure and reward biodiversity. His goal is to help develop systems where farmers aren't only recognized for the milk they produce, but also for the environmental and societal value their farms provide.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels, and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.
