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Richard Benders obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University. During his Master’s programme, he conducted a research project at the Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution at the University of Geneva, where he studied the development of pigment patterns in amphibians using advanced 3D microscopy. In this work, he also developed surface profilometry methods for submerged embryonic tissues in crocodiles and chickens. In 2025, Richard obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University. His doctoral research was carried out within the Pelleting in Circular Agriculture project, an academic–industrial consortium focused on increasing the use of fibrous co-products in pelletized feeds without compromising physical pellet quality. Richard has strong expertise in 2D and 3D microscopy, process technology, thermodynamics, and compound feed manufacturing. He currently works as a Lead R&D Engineer at Bruil, a Dutch concrete company, where he applies the same physical, chemical, and process-technological principles to improve flowability and pumpability of concrete and mortars, and to optimize process control of time- and temperature-dependent material behavior.
IFTC 2026 – Where Science and Industry Shape the Future of Feed Technology
Feed technology is evolving rapidly: driven by changing raw materials, new nutritional insights, and increasing demands on process control. But are research priorities and industrial reality aligned?
The 3rd International Feed Technology Congress (IFTC), organised by the VICTAM Foundation and Wageningen University & Research, brings together scientists, technologists and industry pioneers to address this question directly.
Under the theme Science meets Industry, the congress explores the interaction between feed materials and process technology. From advances in pelleting and process optimisation to ingredient functionality and formulation challenges, leading experts from academia and industry will present new insights and alternative perspectives.
The second day culminates in a strategic workshop, where theory and practice openly confront each other. The goal: to identify key technological priorities for the coming years.
IFTC 2026 is not just a conference. It is a platform where future directions in feed technology are critically examined and shaped.
Register now to be part of the discussion shaping the future of feed technology via this link
All seating during both the Technical Seminars & Conferences sponsored by HTS - Horeca Terras Service
Join us at VICTAM International for the presentions of the short listed companies, where innovation and excellence in the feed and grain processing industry are recognised. Discover the latest breakthroughs as the most outstanding projects compete for the Grapas and AFTAN Awards. From cutting-edge technologies to forward-thinking solutions, this is your chance to see what is shaping the future of the industry. Gain inspiration and connect with industry leaders at one of the key moments of the event. The winners will be announced during the exhibitor cocktail on June 2.
Edward van den Elsen has nearly 35 years of experience in animal feed production. As son of a pig farmer he was interested in feed at an early age. After his study at Wageningen University, where he got his degree in animal nutrition in 1991, Edward started to work as a swine nutritionist at a local Dutch feed mill company. The following years of his career he has held various operating, management and board positions in the field of compound feed production.
In 2016 Edward gave up his position to get more time to achieve its own entrepreneurial goals. At the moment he is active as an entrepreneur inside (and outside) the feed industry. He has his own companies SolFeed BV, Solfeed Feed Service BV and since 2022 MijnVoer.nl BV.
The Solfeed teams focus providing guidance to pig farmers and feed mills and are offering tailor-made solutions to feed-issues of farmers and feed companies. (www.solfeed.nl)MijnVoer.nl is the feed platform in the Netherlands and Belgium where feed mills, pig producers, dairy farms and their advisors meet to formulate their recipes and are trading their compound feed. (www.mijnvoer.nl)
Edward is also active as an entrepreneur outside the compound feed industry.
Why do technically sound feed innovations sometimes fail in the market? In this session, Radmilo Čolović explores why deep customer understanding is the foundation of successful ingredient development.
Using the “Jobs-to-Be-Done” framework, he demonstrates how feed producers’ real objectives — from cost efficiency and processing stability to performance outcomes — directly shape ingredient selection and formulation strategies. The presentation highlights how early and continuous engagement with customers improves alignment, reduces development risk, and accelerates adoption.
Through practical examples, Radmilo shows how even well-developed ingredients can miss their target when industry needs, decision-making structures, and process compatibility are not fully understood.
Attendees will gain a structured approach to aligning science with market reality — and learn how cross-functional collaboration between research and industry drives innovation that actually works.
Dr Radmilo Colovic is working in the research fields of feed technology, feed ingredient developments and their application in feed production for almost 20 years. From 2007 to 2020, he was employed as scientist at University of Novi Sad, Serbia, where he coordinated numerous feed related projects with academia and animal feed industry and was managing feed production pilot plant. During this period, he was also external examiner/opponent/guest lecturer in feed processing topics at different universities, such as NMBU, DTU, UniMi, etc. From 2020 he is part of R&D team of Cargill Food in Europe as Senior Technical Account Manager for Feed. He is developing ingredients and solutions for feed industry (compound feed, aqua feed, pet food, and milk replacers industry). In his role, Radmilo is providing technical support and guidance to feed producers on optimal use of feed ingredients, helping them with adaption, configuration, and enhancement of their processes in order to develop new products or improve existing.
IFTC 2026 – Where Science and Industry Shape the Future of Feed Technology - part 2
Register here to be part of this conference.
Thomas Runde is CEO and Sales Director of Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH since 2013. He combines background from machine manufacturing and environmentaltechnologies witha hands-on and result-driven approach to business and leadership. Before coming to Tietjen, he worked as a managing director for several international companies from machine industry and renewables. He achieved a universitydegree from the University of Muensterin Germany and theUniversity of Washington in Seattle in 1995. Tietjen delivered more than2.100 projects and corresponding services worldwide to nearly all countries o the world since 1959.
The requirements for throughput and fineness in the grinding of pet food and fish feed for extrusion have increased significantly in recent years, while recipes are becoming increasingly rich in fat and protein. The hammer mills of the Tietjen FD Pro series are designed to meet these needs and are finding their way into areas of application where other, more complex grinding technology was previously required.
Exploring Possibilities
Circular feed has long been a cornerstone of the European feed industry, enabling the valorisation of co- and by-products from the food and bio-based economy. This approach has significantly improved resource efficiency and contributed to more sustainable livestock production.
However, as pressure increases to reduce emissions and demonstrate measurable sustainability progress, the sector must continue to innovate — not only in nutrition, but also in processing technologies, market approaches and regulatory frameworks.
On 3 June 2026, FEFAC, BFA and NEVEDI will host a high-level Circular Feed Symposium during VICTAM International at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. The symposium will showcase cutting-edge developments and practical solutions that support the next phase of circular feed.
Key topics include:
The symposium will highlight both opportunities and practical challenges, with a focus on solutions that are ready — or close to ready — for real-world application.
Click here to join the discussion and explore how circular feed can contribute to a resilient and sustainable livestock sector.
The autonomous feed mill is not a destination we chase because it sounds modern. It is a sequence of engineering decisions we make because each one has a clear return and a defensible business case. That is the core of this session. The storyline follows a plant’s progression from today’s control reality to self-optimizing operation, showing why every step pays for itself before we move to the next. We begin with the uncomfortable truth most teams discover when they try to “get autonomous” overnight: the process is not yet predictable enough. Sensors are inconsistent (or nonexistent), data pipelines are noisy, and alarms do not reflect the equipment's actual state. The first act explains how we stabilize the process so the numbers we see are the numbers we can act on. I will walk through specific improvements that raise data quality and monitoring reliability, because without disciplined instrumentation and verified signals, there is no credible autonomy or ROI to discuss. The value case here is simple: better observability prevents downtime and rework, reduces manual inspection load, and creates the trustworthy baseline on which later savings compound. With that foundation in place, the narrative shifts to variability reduction. This is the moment when autonomy stops being abstract and starts moving line items on a P&L. I focus on moisture control because it is a KPI where variance translates directly into wasted energy, grade losses, and throughput penalties. You will see a live demonstration of control logic handling a disturbance, re-centering the process, and keeping it within a stable operating window without manual intervention. We connect that behavior to a business case that shows how tighter moisture bands lift output quality and accelerate payback. The talk does not reveal the full control scheme (which is unique to each plant); it reveals the cause-and-effect path from reduced spread to measurable savings. The following question is always about scale. Can the same journey work across different sites, equipment generations, and species portfolios? The storyline draws on examples from plants that started from different baselines and progressed through the same sequence: ensure robustness, measure what matters, reduce variability, and optimize. Forget the names – remember the pattern! By the end of the session, you will know what to expect from each step of the autonomous journey. You will see why autonomy is not a leap but a ladder, how each rung has a payback you can defend, and why teams that start with disciplined stabilization reach better outcomes faster than teams that start with slogans. The emphasis is deliberate: we are driving autonomous feed because every increment on this path improves economics, reduces exposure, and strengthens operational resilience.
During VICTAM International 2026, the Victam Foundation will highlight groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of the feed and grain processing industry. Discover which innovative initiatives have been selected for funding and how they contribute to advancements in technology, sustainability, and knowledge development.
During this special session, selected projects will be presented and official cheques will be awarded to the winners. A unique moment where vision, collaboration, and impact come together.
Be inspired by the latest developments and meet the people behind the projects that will make a difference in our industry.
Don’t miss this session and experience the future of the industry today.
Since October 2024, Martine Boon has served as Managing Director of GMP+ International. In this role, she focuses on strengthening the global impact of feed safety and, more recently, on driving sustainability. She enjoys working closely with strategic partners to realise shared ambitions. Further developing GMP+ certification and services, and innovation forms an essential foundation for this growth agenda.
Before joining GMP+ International, Martine built a career at Rabobank, the world’s leading Food & Agri bank. As Director of Food & Agri Transition and Sector Management, she managed a €30 billion portfolio within the Dutch Food & Agri sector. With a sharp eye for risk management, she guided the sector towards a sustainable and future-proof direction.
A key milestone during her time at Rabobank was the creation of a €3 billion financing package to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture and food production.
Martine also held several senior leadership positions, including that of Regional Bank Director. In this role, balancing financial risks against long-term growth opportunities was central to her responsibility. Beyond her professional roles, Martine contributes to societal impact through various advisory positions.
Martine holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Wageningen University & Research.
Alex Datema serves as the Director of Food & Agri Netherlands at Rabobank, where he spearheads the bank's agrifood vision. His role involves collaborating with Food & Agri sector networks to promote sustainability in the industry, partnering with agricultural organizations, provincial authorities, government entities, and value chain stakeholders. Additionally, he is a hands-on dairy farmer, managing a farm with 120 cows alongside a partner.
Anton van den Brink is the Deputy Secretary General for the European Compound Feed & Premixes Association (FEFAC). He started at FEFAC in 2013 as Communication Advisor and held the position of Senior Policy & Communication Manager from 2018 to June 2022. For several years he has been actively engaged on the sustainability-related topics connected to European compound feed manufacturing, such as responsible soy sourcing and environmental footprinting (PEFCR Feed for Food-Producing Animals / Global Feed LCA Institute). In that capacity he has played a leading role in the development of the FEFAC Feed Sustainability Charter 2030, the FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines 2021 & 2023 and the publications on Circular Feed (June 2022) and Co-Products (June 2019). Anton is also Executive Director of EFFPA, the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association. Since December 2025 he is also Chair of the European Livestock Voice, a communication initiative by 14 EU associations linked to promoting livestock farming.
Anton graduated in Persuasive Communication at the University of Amsterdam (2012). He lives in Mechelen, Belgium, with his wife and daughter.
After a MSc in Animal Husbandry in the early nineties, Frank built a career in the animal feed sector. In various roles (QSEH management, consultancy, policy advise, program management) Frank has been involved in feed safety and sustainable livestock systems for the last three decades. Currently Frank is Head of Department of Animal Farming Systems at Wageningen Livestock Research, where researchers investigate the role of animals in a sustainable future food system.
Laura Nobel is the manager at the Global Feed LCA Institute, working for the Institute through consultancy company Agribusiness Service (ABS) since 2020. She’s involved in all the management and growth of the Institute, technical discussions, and database developments. She holds a Master’s degree in animal science – animal production systems at Wageningen University, with her interest for sustainability growing through a course in social entrepreneurship and a prior job at the start-up company and concept ‘Floating Farm’.
Commercially driven sustainability leader with over 20 years of cross-functional expertise spanning Corporate ESG, Marketing, Sales, and Business Development. Proven track record in translating complex sustainability challenges into actionable, growth-oriented strategies that create measurable business value.
Currently working as Director of Sustainability and Business Development at GMP+ International leading the feed responsibility standards driving positive impact. Previous roles as Global Sustainability Manager Commerce at JDE Peet's NV, leading commercial sustainability across 40+ Out of Home markets and earlier career highlights include 15 years at Heineken NV, where roles ranged from Senior Account Manager, Trade marketeer for the Heineken brand and Manager Sustainability Netherlands connecting the business to the sustainability agenda.
A strong communicator and transformational leader, Bas bridges the gap between business objectives and stakeholder expectations — combining executive-level ESG expertise with hands-on commercial acumen to drive sustainable, long-term growth.
Laura Jungmann is responsible for sustainability at Albert Heijn, the biggest supermarket chain in the Netherlands and part of the Ahold Delhaize Group of companies. Within this role, Laura has a broad focus including taking concrete steps to make products, supply chains, and packaging more sustainable and ethical, while reducing CO2 emissions, food waste and working towards positive environmental and social impacts on the ground. Laura is responsible for Albert Heijn Netherland’s B Corp certification. Before working at Albert Heijn and Ahold Delhaize, Laura worked at WWF on reducing negative impacts of global commodity supply chains.
Turning sustainability into measurable value remains one of the biggest challenges in the feed and food sector.
This interactive session brings together industry stakeholders to explore how traceability, chain of custody and collaboration can move sustainability from verification to real impact and market recognition. Join the dialogue and contribute to defining practical next steps for the future of the value chain.
Ideal for those looking to move from strategy to implementation.
Click here to participate in this conference.
An exclusive seminar on Feed Miling, where innovation meets opportunity. This high-impact session wil bring you face-to-face with the latest technologies and equipment that are transforming feed miling - boosting efficiency, maximizing output, and driving the industry forward. With expert keynote presentations and quick-fire updates, this seminar is a must-attend for feed milers and industry professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Click here to register for this conference.
Patrick Sudwischer presents a forward-looking vision of precision-driven feed technology — from core process understanding to next-generation ingredients.
In his keynote on Precise Manufacturing Practice (PMPIFF), he reveals what truly happens inside the feed production process and how detailed knowledge of process-induced reactions improves formulation accuracy, reduces nutrient losses, and enhances sustainability.
He further presents two innovation projects: TeMoTech, developing yellow mealworm protein from regional side streams for monogastric nutrition, and NABIOFEED, introducing Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as sustainable extraction systems for bioactive plant compounds
Together, these projects demonstrate how precision, circularity, and intelligent processing define the future of feed.
CV
Patrick Sudwischer trained as a miller at Agravis Raiffeisen AG Ostwestfalen-Lippe from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued further education, obtaining certification as a state-certified milling technician and later earning the master craftsman title. Building on this foundation, he studied food chemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Following his studies, he worked as a research associate in Prof. Dr. Mischnick’s group at the Institute of Food Chemistry, focusing on biopolymer analysis. He then spent several years as a sales engineer in the industry.
In April 2021, Patrick Sudwischer joined the IFF Institute as a research associate, contributing to projects such as “Influences of Farm Management and Processing Technology on the Hygiene Status and Product Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and their Derived Products”, along with various other research initiatives.
Since 2023, he has also been involved in the collaborative project “Looking forward – Cli-mate-smart Approaches Utilizing regional side-streams”, a Victam Foundation funded project in 2023 “Deduction of phytase activity on basis of protein solubility in potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) for evaluation of degradation of compound feed during hydrothermal processing” and “Innovative Feed Technology on Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as Feedstuff for Non-Ruminants (TeMoTech)”, a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 2025, he initiated a cooperation project with the Technical University of Braunschweig about “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as Sustainable Extraction Systems for Unlocking Bioactive Plant Compounds in Functional Feed Component (NABIOFEED)”, which is also funded by the Victam Foundation.
On 1 October 2025, he took over the head of the research institute.
Dr. Verena Böschen presents LokaLaStern, a climate-resilient aquafeed concept developed for recirculating aquaculture systems.
The project combines locally sourced insect protein (mealworm larvae), regional legumes, and marine micronutrients to create nutrient-optimized trout feed that reduces ecological impact and strengthens regional supply chains.
Beyond formulation, the physical properties of the feed are engineered to improve sinking behavior, nutrient retention, and water stability — minimizing nitrogen losses and environmental stress.
Her session highlights how regional resource integration and process engineering can strengthen sustainable aquaculture production.
CV:
After studying mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Verena Böschen started with her doctoral thesis on the subject marine biotechnology.
During finishing her doctorate, Verena Böschen worked at the IFF Research Institute for a fixed time.
Subsequently she worked at the Institute for Particle Technology of the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Since 2013, she has been working again at the IFF Research Institute. Her focus is on energy management. Verena Böschen is certified internal energy auditor according to GUTcert and energy auditor.
On 1 October 2025, she has taken over the management.
Christoph Ohmstede focuses on practical, measurable solutions to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in feed production.
In FUETURE, he evaluates feeding strategies, ingredient selection (including increased rye inclusion), and feed form to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy demand in broiler production through life-cycle assessment.
In Enerbroil, he investigates alternatives to conventional pelletizing, exploring non-pelleting agglomeration technologies designed to lower steam and electricity consumption while maintaining animal performance.
Christoph Ohmstede began working as a research assistant at the IFF on 1 April 2022. He studied process engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), specialising in particle technology during his master’s degree. After completing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Solid Materials Processing and Particle Technology (TUHH). At the IFF, he worked on the project “Development of a novel hammer mill inlet to increase grinding performance and optimise particle structure”, was involved in the project “Biochar as Feed Additive – Processing Methods and its Potential for improving Animal Health” and is currently working on the projects FUETURE and Enerbroil.
Conference summary
Feed Technology in Transition – Processing, Resources and Sustainability in Focus is a high-level technical conference organized by the International Research Association for Feed Technology (IFF) during VICTAM International.
Feed production is entering a new era. Rising energy costs, stricter sustainability targets, regional sourcing demands, and increasing performance expectations require more than incremental improvements. They require deeper process understanding and smarter technological decisions.
This conference demonstrates how advanced feed processing technologies directly improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, increase raw material flexibility, and enhance animal performance.
By opening the “black box” of feed production, leading experts reveal how mastering process physics and chemistry translates into measurable economic and environmental gains. The programme connects scientific depth with practical industrial application — delivering actionable insights for feed producers, technologists, formulators, and innovation leaders.
What to expect
If you are responsible for production efficiency, sustainability strategy, or feed innovation, this conference provides practical knowledge you can apply immediately. Register here to be part of this conference.
Slowing down to accelerate may sound counterintuitive in today’s fast-paced world—but for author Corné de Louw, it’s the foundation of real, lasting change. In his compelling book Slowing Down to Accelerate, de Louw draws from fourteen years of hands-on experience working in countries across different continents—from Chile to Mongolia and from Vietnam to Zimbabwe. As a banker deeply engaged in sustainable development in emerging economies, he outlines seven powerful insights to transform both the food system and financial inclusion efforts. Central to his message is the duality between connection and separation—forces that shape inequality and imbalance in both visible and invisible ways. One of the book’s most striking ideas is the importance of seeing what is not seen—the overlooked people, unspoken dynamics, and hidden histories that shape our current systems. De Louw's approach is deeply personal yet broadly applicable. Raised with the principle that “we don’t leave anyone behind,” he shows how this value is not just charity, but a form of enlightened self-interest—a strategic necessity for resilient systems and shared prosperity. The Seven Insights for Systemic Change: 1. Slowing Down to Accelerate – Taking time to reflect creates space for deep learning, innovation, and sustainable action. 2. Understanding the Roots and the Top – Every system has a unique signature; understanding its structure is key to transformation. 3. The Past Shapes the Future – Invisible past dynamics continue to influence today’s reality. Ignoring them leads to repeated mistakes. 4. "I Am Because We Are" – Systems are interconnected. Listening to excluded voices strengthens the whole. 5. Zooming In and Out – A system is always part of a larger one. Recognizing nested systems helps address inequality at its core. 6. Follow the Energy – Balance requires effort. Remove blockages and enable the system's natural flow. 7. Clustering Dynamic Layers – Bridge gaps between different worlds by connecting seemingly unrelated systems. From regenerative agriculture to inclusive finance, this book offers a fresh, systems-based lens for anyone tackling today’s most pressing global challenges. For Whom? Slowing Down to Accelerate is an insightful read for changemakers, system thinkers, development professionals, social entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking clarity, direction, and meaningful impact. It provides a practical philosophy to reimagine how we work, connect, and drive change—especially in complex and unequal environments.