Next steps for plant production: healthy soils, rich biodiversity and a cleaner environment

The certification scheme for On the Way to PlanetProof Plant Products has been revised. This marks the next step in the sustainability of plant production. The new requirements focus on healthy soils, rich biodiversity, cleaner water, and fewer hazardous substances in the environment. The revised certification scheme will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The requirements for On the Way to PlanetProof Plant Products are reviewed periodically. The interim targets and KPIs established last year serve as guidance. The new certification scheme was developed after careful consultation with a large number of stakeholders and encourages further sustainability of plant production. Much of the certification scheme remains the same, but there are several important changes. The most important steps are being taken in the following areas:

Development of the revised scheme

The revision began with a call for suggestions for changes from all stakeholders. Proposals were then developed in consultation with an international advisory committee, the Technical Working Group, thematic advisory groups with growers, and various researchers and independent advisors. These proposals were reviewed during the consultation period and compiled into a report. Based on extensive evaluation and consultation with a large number of stakeholders, the Board of Experts weighed the ambition and feasibility and ultimately adopted the revised certification scheme. The new requirements will take effect on January 1, 2026, with a two-month transition period. Due to the current growing season, a five-month transition period applies to Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

Sustainability fee

The new requirements in the certification scheme have prompted a recalculation of the sustainability fee. The independent research agency CLM is conducting this recalculation. This recalculation takes into account both the increased ambitions and associated production costs, as well as price increases due to inflation. SMK expects to publish an updated list of sustainability fees in early December. This list will apply from January 1, 2026, to all contracts and deliveries of On the way to PlanetProof products to Dutch supermarkets that have an agreement with SMK regarding payment of the fee: Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi and purchasing organisation Superunie. 

In addition to the updated sustainability fee, the regulation will also be adjusted. SMK is aware that growers experience that the payment is not always transparent, and therefore there are doubts about whether this compensation is actually paid. It has been agreed with supermarkets that transparency is the guiding principle and that SMK can verify whether the compensation is actually paid. SMK is therefore in discussions with all parties in the supply chain to design the regulation in such a way that there can be no doubt about the compensation of the additional costs that growers incur in meeting the requirements of On the way to PlanetProof. SMK expects to be able to inform about the revised regulation simultaneously with the recalculation of the sustainability fee. 

Webinar for additional questions

SMK is organising an English-language webinar with Q&A on Thursday, November 27, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM to provide further explanation of the most important changes for cultivation. A Dutch-language version will be available from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. You can register until November 20th using this form. You will receive a link and instructions before the webinar.