Innovative Technology and Sustainable Development of Organic - 1.
Innovative Technology and Sustainable Development of Organic - 1.
Innovative Technology and Sustainable Development of Organic - 1.
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Preface<br />
I owe a very special thanks to Svend Christensen, my former research leader at the department <strong>of</strong><br />
Agricultural Engineering, who gave me the possibility <strong>and</strong> motivated me to start this PhD work on<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> innovative technology in organic dairy production in Denmark. Eleven years <strong>of</strong><br />
work as an advisor <strong>and</strong> five years as scientific manager <strong>of</strong> the organic research farm Rugballegaard in<br />
Horsens ignited my interest in research. However, the odds <strong>of</strong> accomplishing a promotion to Doctor <strong>of</strong><br />
Philosophy were bad for a person whose career had so far focused on practical field work, <strong>and</strong> the time<br />
when study <strong>and</strong> education was diurnal passed long ago. I was warned many times, <strong>and</strong> it took some<br />
time to decide, but eventually it also became the motivation to accomplish the task started. The next<br />
obstacle to overcome was to find scientific supervision for a topic as unusual as multidisciplinary<br />
assessment <strong>of</strong> technology <strong>and</strong> organic dairy farming. Here the unique talents <strong>of</strong> Akke van der Zijpp in<br />
Wageningen were the next inspiration needed to start. She completely understood <strong>and</strong> accepted my<br />
primary motivation <strong>and</strong> interests, <strong>and</strong> guided the obviously much too broad spectrum <strong>of</strong> ideas, towards<br />
a focused <strong>and</strong> scientific approach <strong>of</strong> the topic. Without doubt, the special analytical <strong>and</strong> systematical<br />
talents <strong>of</strong> Imke de Boer supplemented this start, <strong>and</strong> guided the process <strong>of</strong> this research, from data<br />
analysis to scientific writing <strong>of</strong> this final result. Turbulence in the location <strong>of</strong> the research center<br />
Bygholm, <strong>and</strong> the many months <strong>of</strong> debate interfered with the continuation <strong>of</strong> the PhD work, <strong>and</strong> at<br />
times made it hard to concentrate. Especially when, for a year, I was given the responsibility to<br />
coordinate the research group “Automation <strong>and</strong> system engineering”. With patience <strong>and</strong> respect, my<br />
supervisors, colleagues <strong>and</strong> friends continued to assist <strong>and</strong> motivate me to proceed. Finally the faculty<br />
<strong>of</strong> agricultural sciences from Aarhus University agreed upon a new structure <strong>of</strong> the research center,<br />
with allocation in Foulum in the north <strong>of</strong> Jutl<strong>and</strong>. Here too, the new staff supported this PhD work <strong>and</strong><br />
made it financially possible to complete my degree. Not in the least, I wish to mention also the<br />
stimulating cooperation with Troels Kristensen from the department for Agro-ecology <strong>and</strong><br />
Environment at Foulum, who’s quick <strong>and</strong> clear responses always supported me. In addition the<br />
practical experiments had never been accomplished without the great help <strong>of</strong> Gorm Veggerby, the daily<br />
manager <strong>of</strong> the research farm. Farmers <strong>and</strong> advisors in Denmark <strong>and</strong> The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s had agreed to<br />
spend time in cooperating with answering detailed questions <strong>and</strong> to discuss farm management <strong>and</strong><br />
economic topics. The sessions were meaningful <strong>and</strong> met with enthusiasm from their side. Finally the<br />
everlasting faith <strong>of</strong> Karin in my ability <strong>and</strong> the necessity to finish the job was unbelievably important<br />
for me.<br />
I am convinced this thesis is interesting for many, <strong>and</strong> I hope it can contribute to further underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
<strong>and</strong> knowledge.<br />
Frank W.Oudshoorn<br />
Foulum, October 2009.