News Arable
VVAK is no longer allowed to use Keurcompost
Arable farmers who are certified according to Food and Feed Quality Arable Farming (VVAK) are no longer allowed to use Keurcompost from 1 April. The BO arable farming announced this today (Wednesday 17 March). The standards for pollution of Keurcompost Class A have been considerably relaxed as of January 1, 2021. The standards for glass, stone and other contaminants are therefore no longer in line with the VVAK standards.
After 1 April, growers may only use compost with an analysis report demonstrating compliance with VVAK standards. Compost with an RHP certificate may also be used. Arable farmers who have recently bought Keurcompost Class A in good faith will not lose their VVAK.
Broadening standards
The new standards of Keurcompost allow 0,10% foreign soil contamination, including glass. That was 0,05%. The standard for stone has been stretched from 1% to 2%. That is unacceptable for the Arable Farming Certification Consultation (ACO) that manages VVAK. The strict standards are applied to protect the soil health of arable farmers and to prevent contamination of the food chain. "As a sector, we are unpleasantly surprised by the changes at Keurcompost," says André Hoogendijk, chairman of ACO. "Broadening the standards by Keurcompost must not lead to pollution of our fields and of our food chain. That is why we see no other option than to stop allowing Keurcompost within VVAK." The full requirements for compost within VVAK are on the website of BO Akkerbouw.
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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