Denmark’s first grass protein factory is now in operation
Denmark's first plant for biorefining grass has now been inaugurated. Mogens Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, came to open the plant officially. The plant is located at Ausumgaard, a modern farm with focus on sustainability, renewable energy and development of new concept. This made Ausumgaard the perfect place for the TailorGrass project that has been developed in corporation with Vestjyllands Andel and SEGES. The project has been supported by a subvention from GUDP under the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark with DKK 14 million.
The Minister's opening speech emphasised that grass is one of the sustainable, locally produced alternative proteins, which will help reduce the quantities of imported soya. 'Now, it is the pets' turn to taste the new Nordic cuisine and with the utilisation of grass for feed and protein in the future, we will be much more self-sufficient in a sustainable way', said Mogens Jensen. He further pointed out that ruminants like cattle and sheep for centuries have benefited from the nourishment of the pastures. Although the benefits of grass protein is not new, with the TailorGrass plant and biorefining, it is now possible for 'one-bellied' animals such as pigs and chickens, and potentially also humans, to digest the proteins. This creates new and exciting opportunities. Martin Merrild, chairman of Agriculture & Food, supported Mogens Jensen's vision in his opening speech, 'It is good that we have farmers like Maria and Kristian who see opportunities and have the desire and courage to turn ideas to reality. It is potent that we have research and development environments that can work together and make research a practical project.
Now, it is the pets' turn to taste the new Nordic cuisine and with the utilisation of grass for feed and protein in the future, we will be much more self-sufficient in a sustainable way
It is good that we have farmers like Maria and Kristian who see opportunities and have the desire and courage to turn ideas to reality. It is potent that we have research and development environments that can work together and make research a practical project
Axel Manøe Jepsen, CEO for R&D A/S
Axel Manøe Jepsen, CEO for R&D Engineering, was also present to be a part of this important milestone in the TailorGrass project to give his opening speech about R&D's ideas as the engineering company behind the project. In addition to the above speakers, opening speeches were given by Asbjørn Børsting, director of DAKOFO, Steen Bitsch, CEO of Vestjyllands Andel and Kristian Lundgaard-Karlshøj, owner of Ausumgaard.