Better for Nature & Farmers wins Agribusi­ness Award 2026

Better for Nature & Farmers has won the Agribusiness Award 2026. The award was presented on Tuesday 10 February at Ahoy Rotterdam during the ABN AMRO Open. The jury praised the program’s professional and transparent supply chain collaboration.

Albert Heijn’s program connects farmers, growers, processors and retail. According to the jury, this is where sustainability takes concrete shape. The Agribusiness Award is an initiative of ABN AMRO and DCA Market Intelligence and aims to encourage innovation in the Dutch agri and food sector. Smart products, services and supply chain concepts are given a platform, provided they deliver demonstrable financial benefit for farmers or growers.

“Where sustainability in the agricultural sector often stalls at ambitions and intentions, Albert Heijn’s Better for Nature & Farmers program shows what an innovative and widely implemented chain approach can look like in practice,” said jury chair Laurens Sloot, Director of EFMI Business School and Professor of Retail & Entrepreneurship.

Three strong finalists

The jury further consisted of Aalt Dijkhuizen, Pierre Berntsen and Jan Opschoor. They were unanimous in selecting the winner, although it was no foregone conclusion. Blue Radix and Royal GD proved strong contenders.

“Blue Radix is a leading AI company that enables autonomous growing in greenhouse horticulture with Crop Controller, and Royal GD has developed FlockVision, an innovative camera system that provides real-time insight into poultry health and welfare. All three finalists demonstrate the sector’s strong capacity for innovation.” A total of 34 entries were submitted.

Transparency across the chain

The jury particularly values the involvement of farmers and growers in developing the program. Transparency around compensation plays a key role. Additional efforts in areas such as animal welfare and soil health are tangibly rewarded, creating trust and broad support.

“The chain-wide approach stimulates innovation, collaboration and sustainability across the full breadth of the agricultural sector. It is highly commendable that Albert Heijn has placed the program in a foundation, allowing other retailers to join.”

Brigitta Hogenes, VP Merchandising of Better for Nature & Farmers, responded with enthusiasm. “A tremendous recognition of the strong collaboration with our farmers, growers and chain partners. And appreciation for everyone in our chain who works every day on animal welfare, biodiversity and CO₂ reduction.”

The winner received €5,000 in prize money and a media package worth €3,500 at Boerenbusiness.

Abnamro.nl