#FFI20: Bernhard van Lengerich

Founder and CEO of Seeding the Future Foundation

FFI: How did you become interested in nutrition?

van Lengerich: As a food scientist by training, I have had a lifelong career focusing on healthy food, which presents a genuine interest in nutrition.  

FFI: What inspired you to become involved with food fortification? 

van Lengerich: I was inspired to become involved with food fortification when I became aware of the consequences of deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Devastating birth defects for babies or impaired brain development in children must be a call to action for all to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and support fortification.

FFI: In your experience what are the main components to a successful fortification program?

van Lengerich: Firstly, one must analyze and identify needs and opportunities. This involves identifying what crops, micronutrients, foods, and supply chains are at play. Next is engaging private entities and public stakeholders to articulate a compelling vision of endpoints. Planning and designing how to achieve those endpoints requires full consideration of scope, budget, and timeline. The next step is pilot implementation in order to learn, monitor, and improve, followed by scaling and full rollout of the pilot programming.

FFI: What can we do as a society to continue strengthening fortification efforts?

van Lengerich: We must increase public awareness of the benefits and critical importance of fortification, but also emphasize the consequences if we don’t fortify.

This interview is part of the #FFI20 Champions campaign, a celebration of fortification heroes who have helped build a smarter, stronger, and healthier world by strengthening fortification programs over the past 20 years. To read interviews with other champions, visit the #FFI20 Champions campaign homepage.