Extraordinary times call for extraordinary ideas. Ideas that are relevant, rooted in expertise, and bold enough to go beyond the familiar. Ideas that venture outside the comfort zone.
One such idea, now brought to life, is THE FEED RETHINKERY.
Like many other sectors, the European feed industry faces significant challenges. Increasing demands for documenting sustainable business practices coincide with a shortage of specialized professionals and rising costs. We created THE FEED RETHINKERY to address these issues. Whether through efficient consulting or hands-on support, our mission is to make our clients’ work easier in the long run, drive innovation, and help implement the transformative changes in the agri-food sector demanded by politics and society.
Generational Tasks
Every generation faces its unique responsibilities. After World War II, our grandparents laid the foundations of democracy and economic cooperation in Europe. They built societies free from hunger, improved healthcare, and reduced global child mortality. Our parents’ generation created the European Union, fostering prosperity and individual freedoms. Today, in Europe, we enjoy ready access to food, education, and comprehensive healthcare systems. Technological progress has revolutionized daily life. The generations before us achieved unparalleled economic growth, strengthened European and global networks, and cultivated an innovative culture that has opened countless opportunities. Indicators of these achievements include the globally rising life expectancy and the highest human population density in the history of our planet.
Agricultural Efficiency Enables Prosperity in Europe
One key driver of Europe’s prosperity is the rapid progress in agriculture. Post World War II, agricultural efficiency increased dramatically. In Germany a single farmer could feed 17 people in 1960, but can now feed 147. In livestock farming, for instance, the time to raise a chicken to market weight dropped from 120 days (reaching 1.4 kg) in 1957 to just 37 days (reaching 2.3 kg) in 2022. Advances in breeding, husbandry, and nutrition have cut feed utilization by 15% since 2007, meaning only 1.3 kg of feed is now required for 1 kg of poultry meat [4]. As a result, animal-based food products in the EU remain affordable even for low-income households. Overall, food costs account for only a small share of living expenses, enabling greater consumption across other economic sectors.
Today’s Challenges
Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss, it’s clear that the classical economic system relies on finite resources while externalizing ecological and social challenges. The agri-food sector, which accounts for at least 26 % of of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces heightened scrutiny under the European Green Deal and the specific Farm-to-Table strategy. In addition, there are the requirements of the European CSR Directive, which are briefly summarized in our factsheet.
Our generation’s central task is to further develop the prosperity system created by our parents and grandparents. This means harmonizing ecological, social, and economic aspects to ensure that future generations can meet their basic needs as we do today in Europe. Younger generations already fear for their future. We cannot ignore that!
This is why we step outside our comfort zone with THE FEED RETHINKERY, dedicating our expertise toward building sustainable food systems.
Our Expertise for the Feed Sector
Anna (Scientist, Founder)
I began studying agricultural sciences at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in 2004, earning my diploma and later completing a PhD on amino acid metabolism in pigs. Working with these intelligent animals left a lasting impression on me. Curiosity unites us, and it kept me in academia, bringing me closer to other livestock species. Postdoctoral positions at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Freie Universität Berlin allowed me to manage industry-related research projects and connect with numerous feed industry companies. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with and presenting for organizations such as Ajinomoto Inc., Indukern S.A., Kaesler Nutrition GmbH, Metex Noovistago (previously Eurolysine S.A.S or Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition), and Orffa.
Since 2019, I’ve also been a voluntary member of Berlin’s animal experimentation commission, reviewing research applications. This, combined with my hands-on experience, has given me extensive knowledge in optimizing animal studies for welfare and efficiency (keyword 3R principles). I successfully applied these skills as a Scientific Affairs Manager at Kaesler Nutrition GmbH.
A major milestone was conducting in-depth research on climate change, which highlighted agriculture’s potential within a bioeconomy. In 2024, I earned TÜV certifications in sustainability and environmental management, as well as environmental protection representative.
My expertise forms the foundation for the scientific and technical services we provide to the feed sector through THE FEED RETHINKERY.
Eneko (Graphic Designer)
I compliment THE FEED RETHINKERY’s focus on animal nutrition and environmental issues with creative services. As the son of an artist, I’ve been immersed in colors and shapes since childhood, working in my father’s studio after finishing school. After a detour into sports and event management, I pursued graphic design at the University of West London in 2020. Since 2021, I’ve worked as a graphic designer in Berlin. In 2023, I received my first project in the feed industry, sparking my passion for science-based design. Combining my graphic expertise with Anna’s knowledge and the new CSR communication demands led to the creation of THE FEED RETHINKERY.
In addition to our scientific, technical, and creative services related to animal feed, we will regularly share insights into topics from our field of expertise through THE FEED RETHINKERY blog. Look forward to enlightening posts on subjects such as unlocking circularity, dimensions of sustainability, animal welfare in research and practice, and, of course, all relevant updates on CSRD legislation.
While CSRD may push us out of our comfort zone from today’s perspective, it offers valuable insights for successful future alignment. And perhaps, in hindsight, we will eventually come to see it as something truly magic.
