SMK tightens sustain­ability require­ments further

The sustainability of the Dutch food chain continues to gain momentum. In 2025, SMK tightened the requirements for several certification schemes and saw the certified acreage under On the way to PlanetProof continue to grow. The organization also worked to increase transparency around the sustainability compensation scheme for potatoes, fruit, and vegetables, while taking new steps in animal welfare together with supply chain partners.

Stricter requirements and continued growth

In 2025, SMK updated the certification schemes for On the way to PlanetProof Plant-Based Products and Eggs. The revised Groen Label Kas scheme also came into effect. The stricter requirements focus on biodiversity, water quality, climate, and animal welfare. As a result, the certification schemes are better aligned with current insights and societal challenges.

The certified acreage for On the way to PlanetProof plant-based production increased to 61,941 hectares. That represents a four percent increase compared to the previous year. The number of certificate holders also rose to nearly 1,900. According to SMK, certification and the continuous tightening of standards contribute to the further sustainability of agriculture.

Collaboration across the supply chain

SMK considers collaboration an important prerequisite for achieving sustainability on a larger scale. That is why the organization launched a pilot with the Dierenbescherming to further improve animal welfare in the dairy sector. Participating dairy farmers can take additional steps to further improve animal welfare.

SMK describes Jumbo’s decision to certify all of its private-label cheese and dairy products under On the way to PlanetProof as an important first step. According to the organization, this provides dairy farmers and dairy supply chains with continuity and certainty.

Compensation and innovation

Since 2025, the Sustainability Compensation Scheme for On the way to PlanetProof potatoes, fruit, and vegetables has been fully transparent and verifiable. The compensation amounts have also been updated. This provides clearer insight into how growers’ sustainability efforts are valued. According to SMK, the challenge now lies with trade and retail to ensure that the compensation actually reaches growers.

In addition, SMK worked on an inspection scheme for fire safety in livestock farming. Together with partners, the organization is also developing an innovation project for more resilient potato cultivation using varieties with improved resistance to Phytophthora. Director Gijs Dröge said: “Increasing the impact of sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.”

Smk.nl