On the way to PlanetProof reaches 80,000 hectares of sustainable agricultural production in 2019
Publication date: 11 February 2020The independent quality mark On the way to PlanetProof is improving sustainability in the agricultural sector in the Netherlands and other European countries. By 1 January 2020, there were almost 35,000 hectares of plant products being cultivated in accordance with the quality mark’s requirements and more than 44,000 hectares of land being managed more sustainably for rearing dairy cows.
The Stichting Milieukeur (SMK) quality mark is playing a huge part in the Dutch Agriculture Minister’s vision for an agricultural cycle. Holdings certified by On the way to PlanetProof comply with standards that go beyond the statutory requirements – making additional contributions in terms of clean air, fertile soil, high water quality, natural farming methods, animal health and welfare, and recycling.
Graph 1: Growth in land used for On the way to PlanetProof plant products and dairy cows
Sharp growth in number of partners
In January 2020, there were nearly 1,300 Dutch growers making their plant production more sustainable, by working to the On the way to PlanetProof criteria. Thanks to these holdings, we are making massive progress in improving the environment we live in. In the Netherlands, more than 31,000 hectares of land are used to cultivate potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and ornamental products. But there are also 145 certified growers in other countries, mainly in Spain, with a total of almost 3,200 hectares. These farms are dedicated to cultivating On the way to PlanetProof vegetables, especially in the winter season. In addition, there are more than 70 certified trading companies in the Netherlands and beyond.
Milk and eggs
At the end of 2018, the dairy sector also began to make its commitment to sustainability with On the way to PlanetProof certification. There are now three dairy chains with approximately 700 certified dairy farmers, across an area of approximately 44,000 hectares of more sustainably managed land.
A wide range of dairy products is produced using milk certified by On the way to PlanetProof, from top brands to private labels.
On top of plant products and dairy, there is also a large selection of eggs available with the On the way to PlanetProof label, under brands such as Rondeel, Kipster, Eike, Zorgeieren, Oerei, and Blije kip. The milk and eggs are produced in line with requirements in the field of climate, the environment, and animal welfare and health – going beyond government standards.