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A New Kind of Farm in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has opened the world’s first cultivated meat farm, showing how traditional farmers may help produce future proteins without giving up their current work.
The World’s First Cultivated Meat Farm Opens in South Holland
In South Holland, Netherlands, a local dairy farmer has become the first in the world to receive public agricultural funding to produce cultivated meat (meat grown from cells instead of raising and slaughtering animals). This marks a major moment for farming, food technology, and the future of protein production.
A Pilot Project on a Real Farm
The new unit was installed by RespectFarms, a Dutch systems integration company working to connect farmers with cellular-agriculture technology. Instead of building a high-tech lab in a city, they placed the pilot facility directly on Corné van Leeuwen’s dairy farm.
The goals of this pilot are to:
Test whether cultivated meat can work alongside traditional livestock
Provide farmers with new income options
Show that cellular agriculture can fit into existing rural systems
Operations at the site are expected to begin within weeks.
Public Funding for a New Type of Protein
The project received around US$2.17 million from:
The European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability
The South Holland provincial government
This is the first time public agricultural money has gone to a farmer producing cultivated meat, signaling official support for exploring alternative proteins as part of Europe’s food future.
Why a Dairy Farmer Joined the Experiment
Van Leeuwen says his family has always tried new tools and techniques. With global dairy markets changing, he sees cultivated meat as:
A possible extra revenue stream
A way to stay connected to evolving food trends
A chance to test technologies that may support farmers rather than replace them
Potential Benefits: More Meat, Fewer Animals
RespectFarms argues that integrating cultivated meat into farms could:
Reduce the number of animals needed for meat
Lower disease risks for both herds and public health
Cut the need for slaughter
Help farmers maintain a central role in protein production
Co-founder Ralf Becks says proving this model on a real farm is the next step before inviting others to try it.
A European Debate With Farmers in the Middle
Across Europe, cultivated meat has become a major political and social debate. Some critics say it threatens traditional farmers. However:
Several farmer groups have opposed bans, saying they are more concerned about market power and the impact on rural communities.
Surveys tracked by Euroconsumers show Europeans trust farmers more than private companies when it comes to the safety of cultivated meat.
Because of this, project partners say public involvement (including farmers and regional governments) is essential.
Research Partners and What Comes Next
RespectFarms is working with Wageningen University and companies in the Craft consortium, which also received around US$2.17 million in EU-backed funding. Their aim is to refine the technology and test how it can scale.
What this could mean for global agriculture
Farmers might gain new technology-based income options
Countries could reduce their environmental impact
Consumers may get more choices for safe, trusted protein
Regions like South Holland may become hubs for future food innovation
Source: https://www.foodbusinessmea.com/the-worlds-first-cultivated-meat-farm-opens-in-the-netherlands/