News Agri Facts Foundation
Fact checker focuses on Vitens
The Agri Facts Foundation (STAF) accuses Vitens of providing misleading information. The water company has said that approximately 1 liters of water is needed to produce 15.000 kilo of beef. STAF now asks for a correction.
Farmers and horticulturists have recently been able to submit 'agricultural annoyances' to the STAF. Vitens' statement was one of those annoyances that were submitted. According to the fact checker, the information is misleading, because that 15.000 liters consists of 85% to 90% rainwater. In addition, STAF claims that 1 cow in the Netherlands only needs 6.500 liters of water per kilo of meat.
It can therefore be concluded from these figures that approximately 1 liters of tap water is needed for 650 kilo of beef. The organization therefore speaks of 'incorrect information' and demands a correction from Vitens within 2 weeks. It is still unclear what the fact checker will do if Vitens ignores the requirement. However, STAF indicated earlier that it was not afraid of legal action to take.
President responds
John Spithoven, the chairman of STAF, claims that Vitens has misinterpreted the figures. "We just want to prevent society from being misinformed. That's why we followed this tip from a dairy farmer."
This action is not as large as with the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL† "However, this does not alter the fact that it is important that we have as many inaccuracies as possible rectified, both large and small." Vitens has not yet responded to the STAF's request.
Tim Roetman
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