In Flanders, approximately 38 million kg of nitrogen is processed from manure, which makes a crucial contribution to sustainable agriculture in the region. A well-functioning and constantly innovating manure processing sector is essential to control nutrient surpluses and to comply with European environmental standards. Every two years, the Flemish Coordination Centre for Manure Processing (VCM) awards the Ivan Tolpe Award for innovation in manure processing. This international Award, a tribute to the late Ivan Tolpe, will be awarded for the sixth time in 2025 to a participant with an innovative idea that contributes to more sustainable and cost-efficient manure processing. The continuous cooperation within the manure processing sector is of great importance to make joint progress and drive the development of effective solutions.
Ivan Tolpe
Ivan Tolpe was a farmer and entrepreneur who managed several pig farms and manure processing plants. He died unexpectedly in 2013 in a tragic accident on the farm. In honour of this pioneer, VCM has established the 'Ivan Tolpe Award' to support promising innovative techniques and thus maintain Flanders' pioneering role in manure processing. Ivan Tolpe also inspired young people to take an early interest in manure processing. Through the new Student Award, VCM and De Mestverwerkers want to stimulate and honour this passion among young academics.
Innovation Award
All ideas that deal with a demand-driven problem from the sector (process optimization, energy efficiency, optimal valorization of nutrients from manure, etc.) can be submitted. The winner will receive a cash prize of € 2000 and, together with the nominees, they will also have the opportunity to present their project at the international congress on manure processing and nutrient recovery, ManuREsource. The very first Ivan Tolpe Award was awarded in 2015 to a Flemish pig farmer, Marc Bollaert, who developed an innovative separation technique. From 2017 onwards, the Award also went international and the German research centre Fraunhofer IGB was awarded for an innovative technique that recovered phosphorus from manure. The most recent edition of 2023 was won by Green Service with their new concept for nutrient and energy recovery on a farm scale.
Criteria, jury and award
A jury of experts in the field of manure processing and nutrient recovery evaluates the entries on the basis of degree of innovation, sustainability and applicability. The festive award ceremony will take place at the end of May 2025 during the General Assembly of VCM, where the nominees will present their project to those present.
New call for the Ivan Tolpe Award 2025
In 2024 and early 2025, VCM and De Mestverwerkers welcome new (international) proposals of innovative technologies and research that contribute to sustainable and cost-efficient manure processing.
The application form can be accessed via this link.
The competition rules can be accessed via this link.
The completed participation form must be submitted by Friday 7 March 2025 via info@vcm-mestverwerking.be. The reception of your submission will be confirmed via e-mail.
After five successful editions, VCM is expanding the Ivan Tolpe Award with a new award for the best thesis in the field of manure processing: the Ivan Tolpe Student Award, organized in collaboration with De Mestverwerkers vzw. This award offers young academics a unique opportunity to present their innovative ideas and be recognized for their contributions to the future of manure processing.
Ivan Tolpe
Ivan Tolpe was a farmer and entrepreneur who managed several pig farms and manure processing plants. He died unexpectedly in 2013 in a tragic accident on the farm. In honour of this pioneer, VCM has established the 'Ivan Tolpe Award' to support promising innovative techniques and thus maintain Flanders' pioneering role in manure processing. Ivan Tolpe also inspired young people to take an early interest in manure processing. Through the new Student Award, VCM and De Mestverwerkers want to stimulate and honour this passion among young academics.
Student Award
The Ivan Tolpe Student Award is especially intended for students who did their thesis on a subject that is closely related to innovation in manure processing. The winner will receive a cash prize of € 500 and the opportunity to present their research at ManuREsource 2026, just like with the Innovation Award.
Criteria, jury and award
A jury of experts in the field of manure processing and nutrient recovery evaluates the entries on the basis of degree of innovation, sustainability and applicability. The Student Award also looks at academic quality, style and originality. The festive award ceremony will take place at the end of May 2025 during the General Assembly of VCM, where the nominees will present their project to those present.
New call for the Ivan Tolpe Award 2025
In 2024 and early 2025, VCM and De Mestverwerkers welcome new (international) proposals of innovative technologies and research that contribute to sustainable and cost-efficient manure processing.
The participation form can be accessed via this link.
The competition rules can be accessed via this link.
The completed participation form must be submitted by Friday 7 March 2025 via info@vcm-mestverwerking.be. The reception of your submission will be confirmed via e-mail.