Climate change has brought more droughts to Tanzania. This not only affects the cultivation of sunflowers, but also the production of sunflower oil. To counter this, oil producers are searching for a solution. Researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are analysing the expected decline in production as a result…
In Western countries, we eat too much animal protein, which can partially be replaced with plant protein. That is healthier for us as well as better for the environment and climate. Wageningen researchers are investigating protein sources such as legumes, duckweed, algae, and insects for use in our own diets…
People in the Netherlands use a lot of wood every year, for paper, window frames, firewood, fences, etc. Some of this wood is grown in the Netherlands. Wageningen researchers are conducting a large-scale experiment to find out how wood production can be made more sustainable. They study the impact that…
What if tomatoes grew deeper roots, so that they could thrive in dry regions? Would we be able to better feed the increasing global population? The CRISPR-Cas technology that enables such adjustments is much more precise than the typical selective breeding method, and the adjustments are comparable to spontaneous natural…
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…