ALNN is a company accredited by the RvA (under registration number L320) for several decades. The RvA accredits testing laboratories on the ISO / IEC 17025 standard. Accredited laboratories are obliged to participate in proficiency tests: studies in which the test results of different laboratories are compared with each other in order to guarantee quality. For more information about the conditions and scope of the ALNN, see the site of the RvA.
The Agricultural Laboratory Northern Netherlands carries out physical and chemical research in many different products, which are supplied by the client, a collection service or a sampling service managed by ALNN. ALNN manages the analysis data for the clients and issues advice to the client on request. ALNN has a lot of expertise in the field of agricultural advice.
In 1990 there is a merger between BLNN and BLGG.
There is work for about 40 people in the BLNN’s office and field staff.
The Agricultural Laboratory Northern Netherlands / ALNN BV was established on 1 January 1996.
From that date onwards, laboratory and office space was rented from the Animal Health Service in Drachten. Initially, the company consists of 4 owners, working in the office and about 10 people in the field (sampling).
In 1997 it is necessary to expand. After consultation with the Animal Health Service (G.D.) it turned out that this was not possible within their company, after which it was decided to look for another location. From August 1, 1997, the location was the Warga dairy. This meant about 10 times as much space without having to share the front door.
Since 17 September 2007, ALNN has been located in a new building at the Kruilier in Ferwert. ALNN has chosen to move from Warga to Ferwert because the new building is more efficient. For example, the company in Warga was largely located on the top floor. Goods had to be taken up the stairs. Furthermore, the property is owned by ALNN and not rented, a good investment for the years to come.
During the years surrounding the relocation of the company, the rules regarding manure, soil and (animal) feed became stricter. For example, a so-called “derogation” scheme is being introduced. An exception, coming from the EU, which allows more fertilization in certain countries. However, the farmer must have his soil examined by a laboratory at least once every 4 years.
Furthermore, rules for roughage are becoming stricter and more extensive. Many batches must be sampled separately, depending on the species, and a size must be included. With this dimension the total kg of phosphate can be calculated. On the basis of these data, it can be determined whether or not the farmer has a mineral shortage on his farm.
Due to the aforementioned, ever-increasing obligation to analyze manure, soil and (animal) feed, ALNN is a growing and flexible company. The ALNN’s target groups are also growing, with many livestock farmers and arable farmers among the clientele. Currently the ALNN employs about 10 people internally and about 40 as independent entrepreneurs. Of the 4 founders, only Jan Swart is still working in the company as director and owner. The other founders have followed different career paths over the years.
