A focused overview of pig production and processing in Europe. Examines the sector’s evolution from overproduction to today’s challenges in animal welfare, food safety, and food security. Highlights emerging risks and new opportunities across the pork value chain.
Gert van Beek is a well-known entrepreneur and expert in the European pig farming sector. With a career spanning several decades in research, management, and pig production, he is currently the owner of van Beek SPF Varkens BV in Lelystad, the Netherlands — a nucleus breeding farm operating across two locations, which he acquired in 2006 through a management buyout.
Holding a degree in agriculture and biotechnology, Gert began his career working on a large pig farm, then joined the Nutreco Swine Research Centre, where he progressed from assistant to farm manager. He later served as Swine Research Farm Manager at Wageningen University & Research, strengthening his expertise at the intersection of applied science and livestock production.
Since 2008, he has also been active in Eastern Germany through several partnerships in pig breeding, gilt production, and fattening operations. A visionary in his field, Gert is deeply committed to the development and organization of the pig farming industry at both national and European levels.
From 2013 to 2025, he served on the board of the Dutch Pig Farmers Association (NVV), first as a board member and president. In 2016–2017, he was part of the national transition team leading to the creation of a new producers' organization. Since 2019, he has been serving as President of the European Pig Producers (EPP), representing the sector across Europe.
Gert van Beek exemplifies leadership built on innovation, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable development in the pig farming industry.