Ilse Niehof-Duivelshof has been working at ForFarmers for fourteen years, but it never gets boring. She started as a lawyer, is currently the Corporate Affairs Director, and is involved in sustainability within that role. "Promoting our circularity is an important part of our strategy," she explains. "That's why we are looking for a versatile person who can enthusiastically drive the growth of circular raw materials."
You studied notarial tax law in Groningen. How did you end up at ForFarmers?
"During my studies, I already knew: I want to work in the business world. After a few detours, I started fourteen years ago as a lawyer at ForFarmers. What I find beautiful at ForFarmers? There is a lot of room to grow. I have had various roles within Legal. I have helped with acquisitions and integrating companies into ForFarmers. And recently, I made the complete switch from Legal to Corporate Affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to further develop my ambition here."
Having the right education is not the most important thing at ForFarmers. If you show initiative and are willing to roll up your sleeves, there is a lot of room within the company, explains Ilse. "When I started at Corporate Affairs, someone asked me: do you have experience with that? The answer is: no. But I dove into it to understand it well. That room is there. At ForFarmers, you can ask: 'Why is this actually relevant? Explain that to me again.'"
What else appeals to you in ForFarmers' mentality?
"I already mentioned hands-on: what we can do ourselves, we do ourselves. Wherever you work in the company: we are hands-on. A few years ago, I led the process to rephrase our vision. We went back to basics: 'What do we want to contribute to the world? And: how do we tell that?' Our mission is clear: 'For the Future of Farming.' We work side by side with farmers on healthy, affordable, and sustainable nutrition. We are ambitious and results-driven in that aspect."
Ambitious and results-driven; that also characterizes your sustainability goals. How are they anchored in the company?
"We take responsibility for a sustainable agriculture. A year and a half ago, we tightened our sustainability goals. Starting from the core question: how do we ensure sustainable food production on the farm and what can we as ForFarmers contribute to that? We work on three 'pillars', themes to grow into in the coming years: more circularity, less CO2, and promotion of biodiversity. We have presented this to all levels of our company. Each country and department has its own plans for this. Since then, something has really changed: everyone - from procurement to management - thinks daily about how we can improve sustainability."
Can you give examples of steps taken in sustainability?
"Promoting our circularity is an important part of our strategy. There is more focus on using residual streams from, for example, the food industry for animal feed. What people no longer eat, a cow or a pig might still use. So: how can we apply residual streams in the diet of animals, in the pellet made in the factory? This could mean adding an extra silo at the factory and mixing feed. Our goal: by 2030, 55 percent of the raw materials used must be circular. The acquisition of Van Triest CirQlar last year helps with that." "Furthermore, we advise farmers on sustainable land use. Think of reducing nitrogen emissions and herb-rich grassland for biodiversity."
‘Sometimes you have to be bold and show: this is where we want to go.’
Are you leading the way?
“Sustainability is already in our DNA. And yes, we are ambitious: we want to take our role in future-proof agriculture. But we want to do it together with the sector and network partners. That's why we stay in close contact with the chain: what is the processing industry doing? How can we take steps together? But we don't just sit back and wait. Sometimes you have to be bold and show: this is where we want to go.”
The Business Development Manager for circular raw materials will play a crucial role in enhancing sustainability at ForFarmers. What does that role entail?
“We are looking for a driven professional who oversees all initiatives and plans, driving sustainability at group level. Someone who embraces our mission, listens well to colleagues across countries and departments. But also initiates pilots, develops new circular raw materials and applications.”
That sounds like a dynamic role with impact. Who exactly are you looking for?
“Indeed, a dynamic role. That's why we are looking for the well-known ‘sheep with five legs’,” laughs Ilse. “But jokes aside: inspiring leadership is more relevant than a specific education. We are looking for someone who inspires, convinces, and listens well. Someone who works in a project-oriented way, thinks strategically, and has technical knowledge of what products and raw materials can do in animal feed. Someone who dares to explore other raw materials or other applications of raw materials and doesn't easily give up. If you have that mix of creativity, knowledge, and boldness, we would love to have a conversation with you.”
[Published: October 2025]
