More than 12 percent more
Number of organic farmers in the Netherlands has grown considerably
Since 2010, the number of organic farms has grown faster than the number of organic trading and processing companies. The number of farms has increased by more than 12 percent, to 1831 farms. The trading and processing companies increased by 10 percent to 2586 companies.
The new organic companies are only allowed to sell their products as organic after the mandatory conversion period of two years. 'The demand for organic products is increasing throughout Europe and we therefore desperately need the new companies to be able to meet that demand,' says Miriam van Bree, manager at Bionext.
More and more provinces are also choosing to actively encourage organic farming. A good example is the research that the three northern provinces are carrying out into the effects of organic farming on the economy, food production, the environment and the landscape.
Bionext is committed to this and sees a prominent role for the provinces when it comes to stimulating organic agriculture. The idea is that provinces will organize transition periods. Farmers can get acquainted with organic farming there and talk about the financial and business aspects.
Because chemical pesticides will be used on organic farms and there is a limit to the number of animals per hectare, the pressure on the environment at organic farms is much smaller. 'It is the agriculture of the future, especially in the Netherlands, where the limits have been reached in terms of intensification of agriculture,' says Miriam van Bree, manager of Bionext.
Kimberly Baker
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.