Q How did you and your company first get involved with DFA?
A: DFA has a very long history for me. When we started expanding the DCH International A/S group into the Romanian market 20 years ago, I was an active member in one of the first ERFA Groups for Pig Producers. In that context, the exchange of experience with other colleagues helped me in my subsequent activities in both Canada and Romania.

Q. What DFA activities have you participated in, and how has it impacted your career?
A: Besides the position of Vice Chairman DFA that I held for over 10 years, I have been involved in many working groups on various topics ranging from Management and HR to those specific to pig production development. I have attended conferences and meetings that have allowed me to meet many talented people. The concept of knowledge exchange among farmers promoted by DFA is unique in our industry and offers valuable networking potential.

Q: What was your main challenge in 2023?
A: African swine fever is the biggest challenge we have faced at Premium Pork International A/S in the past 4 years and unfortunately, it still poses problems.

Q: How do you envision the future of agriculture, and what role do you see DFA playing in that vision?
A: Agriculture is undoubtedly an indispensable sector and it must become an important part of the green transformation. DFA plays a key role because it facilitates the exchange of experiences among members, and provides knowledge about new trends and technologies through organized workshops, offering us a foundation to become more efficient and learn about new technology.
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Q: What's a passion or hobby?
A: Due to the nature of my position, I travel a lot, and therefore, when I am at home, I spend most of my free time with my family. Also, I enjoy running and hunting.

Q: Could you recommend a holiday destination?
A: There are many wonderful places in the world where I would return, but in Romania, I have discovered unique places such as Sibiu, the beautiful Carpathian mountains, the city of Brasov, and the Danube Delta included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with superb flora and fauna.

Q: Is there a book that has greatly influenced your perspective?
A: 2 books I have recently read that have inspired me. One is "Factfulness" by H. Rosling. It emphasizes that the world is becoming a better place to live, but also that most business decisions are based on pragmatic criteria. In contrast, the customer's buying decision is largely dictated by emotion. Farmers' activities are primarily based on science and concrete facts, and if we were to consider the emotional aspect more, we could better align with end customers' expectations. Another book is the biography of Elon Musk by W. Isaacson, which presents a brilliant, visionary character, capable of overcoming all obstacles, but controversial in his ability to manage interpersonal relationships.

Thank you, Lars!