In June 2024 the Royal Barenbrug Group, a global grass-seed industry leader, proudly celebrates its 120^th anniversary.  

Since its founding on 15 June 1904 by Joseph Barenbrug, the company has dedicated itself to helping feed the world sustainably and enhancing green spaces, through innovative grass-seed solutions.

Joseph Barenbrug envisioned a world of possibilities with grass, initiating the development of diverse varieties for multiple purposes – a tradition which continues to this day.  Barenbrug creates solutions for every need and climate; from tasty and healthy forages with high nutritional values for livestock, to fine-leaved and attractive green grass for parks, gardens and strong, resilient sports pitches.  Barenbrug research has produced multi-species mixtures that enhance biodiversity and creates cover crops which improve soil fertility. 

As a family-owned company, Barenbrug has stayed true to Joseph’s mission of helping customers to overcome challenges.  The fourth generation, represented by Frank and Bastiaan Barenbrug, continues this legacy, in the capacity as Supervisory Board members.

In recognition of its prestige, sustainable management and excellent reputation, Barenbrug was awarded the ‘Royal Predicate’ in 2004, a distinction granted only to companies of extreme importance in their field and able to demonstrate 100 years or more of effective business.

 

Dedicated to innovation
Barenbrug’s dedication to innovation is central to its R&D philosophy.  By investing significantly in our owned research programs, state-of-the-art facilities and building partnerships with leading institutions, Barenbrug stays at the forefront of grass seed technology.

Our continuous improvement ethos drives the company to explore new frontiers in seed science and to produce superior products which meet the changing needs of the market.  Improvements include more resilience in changing weather conditions, contributions to lower emissions, lower input requirements, better disease control, improved biodiversity and nutritional value.

Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a core value in Barenbrug’s R&D efforts.  The company strives to develop grass seed mixtures which perform exceptionally, while contributing to environmental stewardship.  By reducing the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides, Barenbrug’s seed supports sustainable landscaping and agricultural practices.  Dedicated to creating a greener future, Barenbrug continues to innovate eco-friendly solutions.

Global Barenbrug Family
The cornerstone of Barenbrug’s success is its people.  Across all functions and locations, the passion, dedication and unique talent of our employees sets Barenbrug apart from the competition.  Barenbrug is committed to being a global family, fostering a sense of belonging, cooperation and mutual growth and increasing Barenbrug’s relevance and impact on a global scale.  Even though Barenbrug is represented in more than 20 operating companies around the world, we ensure that everyone becomes stronger by being part of a global family, maintaining strong relationships with each other, sharing experiences and ideas to help each other.  Our extended family includes our loyal suppliers, partners and customers around the world, with whom we share our culture and values.

Frank Barenbrug, Member of the Supervisory Board: “Reaching 120 years is a nice milestone for Barenbrug and it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and serving the needs of our customers and end-users globally.  Our mission to help feed the world sustainably and to enhance green spaces continually drives us to improve and adapt to the changing demands of the industry.”

Bastiaan Barenbrug, Member of the Supervisory Board, added: “We are incredibly proud of the legacy that our great-grandfather Joseph Barenbrug started in 1904.  Over four generations, we have built on his vision and passion for grass seed development.  Today, our global Barenbrug team’s dedication and unique talents continue to set us apart.  We look forward to many more years of leading the industry with our cutting-edge solutions.”

Some Milestones in Barenbrug’s 120-year history

1904:    Barenbrug is founded by Joseph Theodore Barenbrug

1908:    Publication of the booklet Money in Grasses. This was published in the US market in 1909.

1952:    Barenza is Barenbrug’s first brand on the variety list. Many more will follow.

1979:    Barenbrug opens a seed cleaning facility in the USA

1983:    Barenbrug opens a subsidiary in the UK

1996:    Barenbrug opens a subsidiary and R&D station in New Zealand and in Australia

1997:    Barenbrug opens a subsidiary in South America in Argentina

2004:    During its 100th anniversary, Barenbrug became ‘Royal’, because of the important contribution to the grass seed industry over the last 100 years

2011:    Barenbrug opens a subsidiary in South Africa

2012:    Barenbrug opens a subsidiary in Brazil

2024:    Barenbrug celebrates its 120th anniversary.  It is still as passionate about providing the best sustainable grass solutions for sport, forage and recreation as it was back in 1904.

About Royal Barenbrug Group

With headquarters in the Netherlands, Barenbrug is a fourth-generation, family-owned company, dedicated to the research, development and production of grass seeds and legumes for agricultural and recreational markets.  With over 900 employees, active in more than 20 countries on six continents in all major climate regions, our mission is to increase animal productivity to help feed the world and to enhance the enjoyment of green spaces.  Together, our operating companies deliver annual net sales in excess of €370 million.  

More information can be found at www.Barenbrug.com