Potato from AH is good for nature

The arable farmers whose potatoes are placed on the shelves of the country's largest large-scale grower, Albert Heijn, are supported by the chain in improving biodiversity. The organization Natuurmonumenten will help farmers with this. All parties involved have signed an agreement to confirm this ambition.

The cooperation agreement has been signed by Albert Heijn, Agrico, Leo de Kock and Nedato (on behalf of the growers). Natuurmonumenten and the consultancy CLM are also involved in the agreement. They will advise potato growers to encourage nature on their farms. A first step is to create field margins around the plots.

Stimulating biodiversity
After placing field edges, placing a bio-diverse yard planting, bee hotels, bat hotels and other nest boxes follow. The field margins not only look beautiful, but they also offer biodiversity, stimulate the number of farmland birds and improve water quality. In South Holland, Zeeland, North Brabant and Flevoland, 35 participating growers have jointly sown 20 kilometers of field margins.

Stimulating biodiversity is part of Albert Heijn's sustainability strategy. The supermarket chain chose not to join the label PlanetProof, but to come up with its own strategy. Said Belhassan previously told more about this in an interview with Boerenbusiness.

Operations
"We are continuously looking for resistant varieties and possibilities to reduce the use of crop protection products," says Belhassan. "In addition to these initiatives, our growers are looking for new ways to manage nature. The efforts of Natuurmonumenten contribute to a natural landscape."

Frans Zijderveld of Natuurmonumenten says that the organization is happy with the efforts of the potato growers. "It's great that nature is taken into account in business operations."

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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