Frans de Rond appointed Honorary Ambassador of the Province of Limburg

The provincial government of Limburg has proudly awarded the title of Honorary Ambassador of the Province of Limburg to Frans de Rond. He is the founder and driving force behind pig farm Livar, where animal welfare and sustainability are central. This special award was presented to him on Saturday 7 September by agriculture deputy Jasper Kuntzelaers during the company's 25th anniversary celebration in Echt. Frans de Rond was also chairman of the Association of Pig Farmers of the LLTB for 16 years.

During the ceremony, the deputy spoke highly of Frans de Rond's career and impact on both the Limburg agricultural sector and beyond. "Frans de Rond has not only built an innovative company, but he has also shown that economic profit can go hand in hand with social responsibility," Jasper Kuntzelaers said. "Frans started his career in pig farming as a young man with a clear vision and strong ambition. Together with four fellow pig farmers, he decided to take a new path. This led to the creation of Livar in 1999. With Livar, he set a new standard in pig farming, focusing on animal welfare, sustainability and taste."

As chairman of the Association of Pig Farmers of the LLTB, Frans de Rond played a key role in supporting and strengthening the Limburg pig farming industry. During his 16-year presidency (1982 - 1998), he was known for his determined leadership and ability to steer the sector through difficult times, such as during the swine fever crisis of 1997-1998. His commitment to Limburg pig farmers and his vision of a sustainable future have had a lasting impact on the sector. "It is no exaggeration to say that Frans showed the pig industry that there is another way to approach the world of food production. His determination and belief in his vision have ensured that now, 25 years later, Livar is a model company that inspires others," said Jasper Kuntzelaers. Today, Livar is run by the second generation, his son Frank and his wife Merel, together with the dedicated team at Lilbosch Abbey.