The Nordfyn-based company Emmelev A/S has now become the first in Denmark to be certified for sustainable production of rapeseed cakes.
The Nordfyn-based company Emmelev A/S has now become the first in Denmark to receive certification for the sustainable production of rapeseed cakes. This significant achievement was celebrated recently with a visit from Erling Bonnesen, the food policy spokesperson for the Venstre party and a member of parliament. Emmelev A/S produces biodiesel from rapeseed, and the protein-rich rapeseed cakes are a valuable byproduct of this process. These rapeseed cakes are particularly in demand by cattle farmers on Funen as well as in South and Southern Jutland. The Danish-produced rapeseed cakes are GMO-free, and they are expected to become even more popular as Arla Foods will require suppliers to use GMO-free feed starting in 2021.
Reduces Soy Import
The rapeseed cakes are also favored because they replace soy, which is primarily produced in Brazil, Argentina, and the USA, and then imported to Denmark. “I am pleased to be part of marking this certification, which highlights Emmelev A/S’s serious commitment to tackling the climate challenge,” says Erling Bonnesen.
“The feed cakes are an essential part of the production, even though biodiesel typically garners the most attention. This certification signifies that farmers can feed their livestock sustainably with this Danish product, providing a viable alternative to imported soy,” he adds.
Circular Economy
“It’s a fantastic example of circular economy,” says Bonnesen. “The farmer delivers rapeseed to the company, receives feed cakes for the cattle in return, and can also use biodiesel in the tractor’s tank. This cycle makes a big difference.”
Morten Simonsen, co-owner of Emmelev A/S, explains that the feed cakes are sold not just to local and regional cattle farmers but across the entire country. Several feed companies incorporate these cakes into their finished feed mixes. “The consumption of rapeseed cakes is substantial in Danish cattle herds. In fact, rapeseed cakes are included in 35 percent of the feed mixed on cattle farms for the animals,” he notes.
