Sustainability

New emissions rules for pig and poultry farms

The European Commission adopted common emissions rules for large pig and poultry farms. Animal nutrition, manure management, and housing are central to the new requirements. These aim to reduce emissions and cut unnecess..

RIVM sees double gains in stricter food policy

16 January 2026

Policies that promote healthier eating can also help reduce environmental impact. This is shown by new research from RIVM into existing and planned prevention policies. The potential is there, but according to the instit...

Impact of summer organic campaign remains limited

13 January 2026

Organic food is more top of mind, but does not yet end up in shopping carts more often. That is the outcome of the national Biologisch Voedsel campaign, which ran from June 2 through July 6, 2025. The campaign effect stu...

Climate change affects the food chain from farm to fork

09 January 2026

Climate change remains high on the international agenda. During COP30 in Brazil, the focus was on supporting developing countries and the transition to clean energy. At the same time, it became clear that current efforts...

More tax benefits for energy-efficient investments

06 January 2026

Those planning to invest in energy-efficient technologies in 2026 will have more fiscal room to do so. The budget for the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) will increase to €460 million. That is €29 million more than in ...

Pesticide Food Guide: paprika most contaminated vegetable

29 December 2026

Paprika tops the Pesticide Food Guide this year. Not because of popularity, but because this vegetable contains the highest average number of pesticide residues. This is shown by new figures based on residue measurements...

Food chain 2040: sustainability as a competitive force

24 December 2025

Anyone who wants to produce food in 2040 must operate sustainably. There is little left to negotiate on that point. Sustainability has therefore become a hard requirement within the Dutch food industry. Rabobank outlines...

Broodje gezond requires 75% less farmland

18 December 2025

The Dutch signature sandwich 'broodje gezond' (healthy sandwich) is more than just a tasty lunch option. It also shows how profoundly Dutch food production has changed. De Eerste Duurzame Generatie (the First Sustainable...

Additional costs and PlanetProof AGF compensation from 2026

17 December 2025

From 2026, farmers will receive an updated sustainability compensation for PlanetProof AGF. This compensation is based on an independent recalculation of additional costs by CLM, commissioned by SMK. The recalculation ta...

KPF FoodPlus: opportunities for sustainable innovation in agrifood

17 December 2025

The Interreg program KPF FoodPlus gives Dutch entrepreneurs a helping hand. Companies from the Netherlands and Germany collaborate to bring sustainable innovations to market faster. Oost NL coordinates this in Gelderland...

Soy sauce by-product used across food applications

15 December 2025

A by-product that usually stays out of sight turns out to be surprisingly versatile. Ten culinary makers were given three months to work with moromi. This is the fermented residue that remains after pressing soy sauce. T...

Food security depends on risks beyond national borders

12 December 2025

Food security is often seen as a national issue. What happens within a country’s own borders tends to take center stage. New research shows that this approach is no longer sufficient. International trade is playing an in...

Best read articles November 2025

11 December 2025

November provided a clear picture of the themes shaping the food industry. Questions about blood plasma in meat, stricter hygiene requirements, and recurring practical issues drew significant attention. The societal cost...

The Dutch eat more legumes, production is not keeping up

02 December 2025

Legumes are turning up in our shopping carts more often. Not only because the range is growing, but also because manufacturers are using them cleverly in snacks, meals, and plant-based alternatives. Still, one thing has ...

Supermarkets still fail to reduce emissions

02 December 2025

Greenhouse gas emissions from supermarkets show no signs of going down. In fact, some chains are seeing an increase. Meanwhile, climate targets are approaching fast and pressure continues to mount. Emissions remain st...

Stricter import standards for hazardous pesticides

28 November 2025

The European Commission is taking another step toward tighter rules for products entering the EU. And not a minor one, as the launch of a broad impact assessment aims to bring EU production standards for the most hazardo...