Dutch action plan on organic production and consumption

In December 2022, minister Adema of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit) handed over the Action Plan Organic Production and Consumption to Chain organization Bionext.

Organic agriculture in the Netherlands can play an important role in the transition to a sustainable and future-proof agriculture. In this action plan the central government of the Netherlands, set out the ambition to substantially increase organic production and consumption. The actions are a starting point to work together with chain parties. 

An important part of the plan is that consumers and chain parties are familiar with organic products and the European organic label. Consumers should be able to distinguish between organic and non-organic products and what they mean.

Protected term
Organic agriculture and food are legally defined terms and the word "organic" is a legally protected term in Europe. The legislation is aimed at ensuring fair competition, the proper functioning of the internal market and maintaining and justifying consumer confidence in organic products. Within the EU, the designation "organic" is allowed on agricultural products and foodstuffs only if they demonstrably meet the relevant legal requirements.

The green leaf
These products can be recognized by the EU organic label, also known as the green leaf.

Read the National Action Plan here