The industry is seeking alternatives to petroleum-based products to help achieve the climate targets. Substitutes for petroleum can be extracted from biomass obtained from agricultural and organic waste streams. Scientists from Wageningen University & Research have been developing such green alternatives for use in cosmetics, detergents, paints and plastics. This…
One million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, according to a new UN report. But if we redefine prosperity and reshape our growth-oriented economies, we can still turn the tide. Every member country has endorsed the report, which featured contributions from Wageningen University researchers including Esther Turnhout. “It’s…
When excrement and urine from cows or pigs mix, a lot of methane gas and ammonia is produced. But if the urine and manure are separated, greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia formation can be reduced by up to 75%. Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are working together with farmers…
Due to mechanisation, agricultural work has become more monotonous and difficult. Fewer and fewer people are prepared to put up with the poor working conditions. Wageningen researchers are developing robots that can do agricultural work, such as weeding, harvesting, and packing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thanks…
The high mortality rate amongst European honey bees is principally caused by the varroa destructor. Ten years ago, Wageningen researchers started examining natural selection as a potential solution, so ultimately the most resilient bee colonies survived. “We wanted to allow nature to solve this itself and this occurred much faster…
Farmers in African countries lose up to 50 percent of their potential yield due to bad seed or even ‘fake seed’. Wageningen scientists are working with local farmers, research institutes, companies, NGOs and government to develop a stronger seed sector. In the context of ISSD Africa, they ensure more effective…
Rhinos in Africa are killed for their valuable horns on a daily basis. Scientists from Wageningen University & Research are currently running tests in which they fit ungulates such as zebras and wildebeests with GPS transmitters. Restlessness and flight behaviour in these ungulates appears to warn for the presence of…
After renovating their home, some people actually start using more energy. Researchers from Wageningen signalled that behaviour plays a big role and they now help local authorities, energy cooperatives, and housing cooperatives to provide customised solutions. This is achieved by both installing advanced heating systems and insulation as well as…
Around 10% of agrarian export products from the Netherlands goes to the UK. Now that Brexit is looming near, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Is the Netherlands going to lose the British market? Exports of pork have already fallen. Economists at Wageningen are studying the potential consequences of Brexit, so…
Displaced persons in Congo are receiving basic emergency aid in the form of saucepans, soap and buckets. Development economist Maarten Voors is examining what this strategy is actually achieving. The emergency aid seems to be having a very positive effect on the resilience and mental health of displaced persons. They…