Blending organic milk: an opportu­nity to scale up?

The Dutch organic farming sector faces a significant growth challenge. According to Questionmark, supermarkets and producers can play an important role. The organization is working on concrete steps to increase organic sales. Its main focus is dairy and fresh fruit and vegetables. Blending organic and conventional products is also firmly on the table.

2030 target remains a long way off

The Dutch government aims to reach a 15 percent share by 2030. This percentage applies to agricultural land used for organic farming. Currently, the share stands at just 5 percent.

Organic sales targets could provide a strong boost to the market. This applies to both supermarket chains and producers. Questionmark is discussing the issue with Dutch supermarkets.

The project runs from September 2025 to January 2027. The discussions focus on changes to product ranges and business operations. Questionmark also supports joint initiatives across the supermarket sector.

Four steps for supermarkets

Setting a specific organic sales target is the first step. Supermarkets could also convert an entire product category to organic. Another option is blending organic products with conventional ones.

Supermarkets can also help consumers make their choice. They can use product ranges, information, and reduced promotion to achieve this. Subtle prompts can also help guide that choice. Collaboration and lobbying should remove potential barriers to these steps.

Research into blending milk

Structurally blending products could give farmers greater certainty over sales. This approach could also deliver economies of scale and expand organic farming. Consumers would then no longer be responsible for making that choice.

Questionmark discussed the option with retailers, dairy producers, and the government. According to the organization, there is interest in investigating it further.

Questionmark and Robin Food Coalition commissioned CE Delft to conduct research. The firm is outlining scenarios for annual growth in this approach. The research focuses on blending organic milk with conventional milk. CE Delft conducts independent research and provides advice. Its work is intended to contribute to a more sustainable society.

Thequestionmark.org