Young British farmers were among the first in the world to get acquainted with Rotterdam's floating dairy farm during a recent study trip to the Netherlands.

As the first visitors, a group of twenty appreciated the success of the innovation in agriculture by tasting one of the first batches of bottled milk produced on the farm. Dairy farmer and NFU Scotland Next Generation chairman Colin Ferguson said “Dutch innovation” is inspiring.

He emphasized that the farm is an example of how innovation adds value to the industry and also shows the value of food production.

“The project was more a proof of concept, and not a fully commercial enterprise, but it was clear that it caused a positive discussion and excitement for dairy farming in the city. It would not be difficult to imagine something like this in any of our cities in the UK, ”he said.

Ferguson also said that it is important for farmers to see first hand how innovation can “transform and challenge” traditional farming practices and engage urban consumers in a “meaningful and transparent” way.

And co-organizer of the trip, co-director and founder of the Youth in the Countryside project, Jane Craigi, said: “Rotterdam’s floating dairy products are just one example of how Dutch innovation challenges contemporary ideals.”