How De Heus creates sustainability impact across the animal protein value chain
A healthy flock starts long before animals arrive on the farm. It begins with the right breeding materials, reliable raw materials, and strong partnerships throughout the value chain. At De Heus, we contribute at every stage, working together with partners to support a more transparent, efficient and sustainable food system.
Building strong foundations: sourcing, breeders and hatcheries
Sustainable impact starts at the beginning of the chain. We work closely with breeders and hatcheries to ensure farmers have access to high-quality, reliable young animals, such as piglets and day-old chicks. Through long-term partnerships and our Supplier Code of Conduct, we promote responsible sourcing, transparency and sustainable agricultural practices.
At the same time, we invest in local value chains. In Ghana, for example, sourcing raw materials locally supports rural farmers while improving the availability of key feed ingredients. Close cooperation with hatcheries further strengthens these systems, helping farmers achieve more consistent results.
Producing feed efficiently and responsibly
Every day, our teams produce feed that farmers rely on. Across more than 100 feed mills worldwide, we combine advanced formulation, laboratory analysis and strict quality control to deliver reliable nutritional solutions.
These efforts help farmers improve animal performance, maintain animal health and reduce the environmental impact of production. By continuously optimising our processes, we also improve operational performance and contribute to lowering emissions.
We aim to help farmers improve their business performance by sharing our knowledge and experience
Joost Belt
Group Director Marketing & Sustainability
Supporting farmers and strengthening the chain
The impact of our work becomes visible on the farm. Farmers operate in a complex environment, balancing productivity, animal health and market demands. That is why we work alongside them as a long-term partner, combining nutritional expertise with practical guidance.
Together, we help farmers strengthen their business performance, improve efficiency and produce safe, high-quality animal protein.
Our role extends further across the chain as well. By working closely with processors and slaughterhouses, we contribute to improving quality, traceability and food safety.
Why a value chain approach matters
Producing food sustainably requires more than improving a single step, it requires progress across the entire system. Global food production faces increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity and changing expectations.
By working in partnership across the value chain, from sourcing and breeding to feed production and processing, we can improve food safety, reduce environmental impact and enhance overall performance.
Through our Responsible Feeding Programme, we connect these efforts and work together with partners worldwide to build a resilient and future ready food system for generations to come.
