‘Nutplan’ aims to boost Dutch nut cultivation

The Netherlands will see thousands of new nut trees planted over the next few years. On 29 October, the Nootplan voor Nederland (Nut Plan for the Netherlands) was launched. More than 25 organisations signed the agreement, aiming to give nut cultivation a solid place in both the Dutch landscape and on the dinner table.

More nuts from Dutch soil

The goal is clear: by 2035, the Dutch population should eat an average of 25 grams of nuts per day, partly from local production. “In the next 10 years, we will plant at least 15,000 hectares of nut trees in nature-positive ways to help restore biodiversity in the Netherlands,” wrote initiator Corné van Dooren (WWF-NL and WUR) on LinkedIn.

The list of signatories is extensive, ranging from tree growers to research institutes, from NGOs to financial organisations. Among them are WWF-NL, Low Food, Bomenland, Urgenda, Caring Farmers, Trees for All, Rabobank, Triodos Bank, Voedselbosbouw Nederland, the Louis Bolk Institute and the Dutch Nut Association. Van Dooren noted that 35 parties have now joined, including Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and the North Holland Nature and Environment Federation.

Healthy, sustainable and home-grown

A handful of nuts a day – the Health Council of the Netherlands and the Voedingscentrum have long recommended it. Nuts provide protein and essential fatty acids and fit well in the shift from animal to plant-based diets. They also have a much smaller climate footprint than meat or dairy. Yet locally grown nuts are still a rarity on Dutch shelves.

The Nut Plan aims to change that. “Instead of importing walnuts from China or hazelnuts from Turkey, we can better eat these nuts grown on Dutch soil,” said the organisers.

Broad support from the sector

The signing took place during a symposium on 29 October, bringing together farmers, researchers, financiers and food organisations. Caring Farmers commented enthusiastically: “A wonderful goal and we’re joining in! With the entire Caring Movement!” Agroforestry Network Overijssel also confirmed its participation, calling the plan “well thought-out.”

The ambitions are high, but the excitement within the sector is unmistakable. And perhaps, before long, that handful of Dutch-grown nuts will truly find its way onto everyone’s table.