News Quality mark
PlanetProof is more than collecting points
The stricter PlanetProof sustainability label, which will be followed by Milieukeur, will have to become the leading quality label for potatoes, vegetables and fruit. The acreage that is grown under this quality mark will therefore increase sharply, according to the expectation of SMK (the manager of PlanetProof).
Until the end of 2017, more than 9.000 hectares were cultivated according to the PlanetProof quality mark and there were approximately 300 certified companies. Dutch retailers, with exception of Albert Heijn, will incorporate the new standard into their policies. "The demand from retail and various wholesalers for products that are PlanetProof certified is high," says Wim Uljee, communication manager at SMK.
The PlanetProof system consists of a large number of requirements and works with a bonus-malus system. Certain crop protection products are not allowed, while the use of others is discouraged with malus points. However, those malus points can be compensated.
Compensation System
Criticism of the PlanetProof system therefore quickly arises; this when you only collect bonus points and can therefore spray a lot more. However, Stefanie de Kool, project manager at PlanetProof, states that this is not the case. "You have requirements that you have to meet as a grower. You are therefore not allowed to use certain products at all. As a grower, you are also obliged to use organic products whenever possible."
It means that it is not possible to compensate for the spraying of agents with solar panels on your roof. "The use of these products can be compensated with bonus measures related to integrated crop protection," says De Kool. Examples of bonus measures are promoting soil fertility, preventing the emission of crop protection agents, offering shelter to natural enemies and spraying at the right time.
Tired of all the demands
When asked whether farmers are eager for the new quality mark, Uljee answers that he notices that farmers are becoming critical of the demands made by society. Yet he also sees that farmers see opportunities in the new system; for example, the additional price for the product and long-term agreements that provide certainty. Also, the certification costs are not always for the account of the grower, grower organizations sometimes bear the costs.
Isn't the bonus-malus system complicated? De Kool states that as a grower you do indeed have to make some effort to register everything. "The farmer has to make an effort to benefit from the quality mark. On the other hand, it is also a matter of good preparation. Advisors can help with this and we also have a digital checklist that makes it easier to calculate the points. Growers get used to the practice quickly to the system," says De Kool.
Control
The standards set by PlanetProof are checked by independent parties. For example, a check is carried out at the beginning and at the end of the cultivation. In between, leaf samples are also taken to check whether the requirements that have been set are met.
The quality mark is mainly requested by the Dutch retail. However, a large part of Dutch products is grown for export. The aim of PlanetProof is therefore to make the quality mark international. That also ensures the English naming. SMK itself does not have the means for promotion abroad; that is therefore being designed in collaboration with GroentenFruit Huis and its affiliated trading companies.
Added value
It is still unclear whether growers gain added value when they produce for foreign countries. Uljee does point out that not only Greenpeace, but also various retailers are active internationally and that these parties could also roll out PlanetProof abroad.
Anne-Jan Doorn
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