Questionmark Foundation’s Post

Dutch have a long way to go to reach 15 % organic in 2030 Market for organic in the Netherlands is weak and needs to be developed

Exciting News from Herencia - Value your Legacy! 🌱 Last week, our team had the incredible opportunity to explore the APK coffee farms located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Guided by Alejandro Galante, the Manager at APK, and in close collaboration with local cooperatives, we embarked on a journey towards sustainable coffee production. Through the implementation of regenerative agriculture practices and innovative water management strategies, we're witnessing remarkable transformations. Yields are soaring, providing a significant boost to the income of local farmers while simultaneously combatting deforestation.At Herencia, we take immense pride in bringing partners together to work towards a more sustainable coffee supply chain. By fostering transparency and collaboration, we're driving positive change from farm to cup. Our project aims to mitigate risks along the entire supply chain, ensuring compliance with European regulations such as EUDR, CSRD, and CS3D, and making this chain transparent and traceable using blockchain technology. Stay tuned as we continue our mission to empower communities, preserve nature, and deliver exceptional coffee experiences. Together, let's value our legacy and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future! ☕🌍 #SustainableCoffee #EUDR #CSRD #CS3D #sustainability

(NETHERLANDS 14.05.24) Opinion Thijs Rompelberg: 'Buyout, shrink or stop' [AG: The Crossroads of Australian Agriculture - "Buyout, Shrink or Stop"] Thijs Rompelberg criticizes the Dutch agricultural strategy for downsizing the sector and increasing food imports, despite being a major exporter. He points out misleading export figures due to re-exports and highlights the Netherlands as a net food importer. Rompelberg warns of the risks of food dependence during global instability and criticizes farmer buyouts for nitrogen emissions. He calls for real support and innovation to ensure a secure, self-sufficient agricultural future. ----- [AG: Australia, like the Netherlands, faces a critical juncture in its agricultural sector. Farmers grapple with tough choices: sell out, downsize, or stop altogether. Yet, Australia lacks a clear food strategy despite its ample land and farming history. The Erosion of Australian Agriculture: Amid global trade complexities and environmental hurdles, Australia's farming sector is shrinking. Small to medium farms battle economic, environmental, and political pressures. Singular policies often sacrifice agricultural sustainability. Many farmers face selling, downsizing, or leaving the industry.. The Mirage of Food Security: Australia boasts global agricultural prominence, exporting abundant produce. Yet, internal vulnerabilities lurk without a national food strategy. Dependency on imports exposes us to market volatilities and geopolitical tensions. It's ironic for such a vast, fertile land to rely on distant sources for sustenance. The Absence of a National Food Strategy: Australia's absence of a comprehensive food strategy is puzzling given its reliance on agriculture for economic and public health. The oversight jeopardizes both farmers' livelihoods and the nation's future food security. The Call to Action: It’s high time for a paradigm shift. Just as our farmers adapt to the rhythms of the land, so too must our policymakers adapt to the changing needs of our agricultural sector. We need a holistic approach that recognizes the multifaceted challenges faced by Australian agriculture - one that goes beyond temporary fixes. A national food strategy should aim to sustainably increase domestic food production, support farmers and enhance resilience against environmental, economic and geopolitical shifts. Conclusion: The crossroads at which Australian agriculture stands today, characterized by the "Buyout, Shrink or Stop" dilemma, presents an opportunity for reflection and redirection. Let us not squander this chance to recommit to our farmers and to the land that sustains us. A robust national food strategy is not just a policy imperative; it is a moral one, ensuring that Australia remains fertile, not just in its soil, but in its vision for a sustainable and secure food future.] ----- Link to English translated article: https://lnkd.in/gTGHZQ_p https://lnkd.in/gYNxetKs

Jumbo’s Sustainability Push: Aiming for 10% Organic Produce by 2027 In a major push toward sustainability, Jumbo Supermarkets, one of the largest retail chains in the Netherlands, has set a bold target to ensure that by 2027, at least 10% of its sales in potatoes, vegetables, and fruits will come from organic farming. This follows a series of steps the retailer has already taken to […] https://lnkd.in/ej5KwPx5

(NETHERLANDS 03.05.24) #onions #freshproduce Those who want to deliver quality must look ahead [AG: Elevating Australian Fresh Produce Quality: Lessons from Onion Cultivation] In a tough year for onions, quality is crucial. MSP Onions and Hazera emphasize hardness and skin firmness, especially in shortages. Challenges like sunburn and internal rot arise from adverse weather. Looking ahead, onions need horticultural care for growth consistency. MSP's sorting investment meets demand. Both prioritize quality varieties like Vento, Dormo, and Centro, especially in sandy soils. Collaboration enhances Dutch onion quality and advises growers. ----- [AG: Lindert Moerdijk from MSP Onions and André Boot from Hazera highlight crucial factors like hardness, skin firmness and forward-thinking strategies to enhance onion quality. These insights extend beyond onions, offering significant lessons for all Australian fresh produce growers. Here's what we can take from this: Prioritize Quality: Quality should always be at the forefront of fresh produce cultivation. Whether it's onions or other crops, maintaining high standards ensures consumer satisfaction and market competitiveness. Invest in Innovation: MSP Onions' investment in an optical sorting machine showcases the importance of innovation in processing technology. Similarly, adopting advanced tools and techniques can enhance the quality and efficiency of production across all fresh produce sectors. Adapt to Environmental Challenges: Weather conditions can pose significant challenges to crop quality. By anticipating and adapting to environmental factors, growers can mitigate risks and maintain consistent product quality. Collaborate for Success: The partnership between MSP Onions and Hazera exemplifies the power of collaboration in improving crop quality. Australian fresh produce growers can benefit from sharing knowledge, resources and best practices with industry partners. Focus on Consumer Preferences: Understanding consumer preferences and market demands is essential for delivering high-quality produce. By aligning production practices with consumer expectations, growers can meet market requirements and drive success. The lessons from onion cultivation offer valuable insights for improving quality in all sectors of Australia's fresh produce industry. By prioritizing quality, innovating, adapting, collaborating, and considering consumer preferences, Australian growers can raise their produce standards and stay competitive globally.] ----- Translated article https://lnkd.in/gbEVNedZ https://lnkd.in/gH4EKMr7

Argentina: New data on organic agriculture The report "Situación de la Producción Orgánica en la Argentina durante el año 2023" provides a comprehensive overview of Argentina's organic production for the year 2023, focusing on certified organic farming under Argentine regulations. Key points include: - Surface Area and Production Units: The total organic farming area was 4.1 million hectares, with a slight decrease in the number of production units by 1%. The largest areas were in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Jujuy. - Crop Production: Harvested organic crop area decreased by 12%, totaling 96,483 hectares. Notable increases were seen in cereals and industrial crops, while fruit, vegetable, and legume areas generally decreased. - Livestock Production: Organic livestock area increased by 3% to 3.7 million hectares. Cattle numbers grew by 5%, while sheep numbers fell by 1%. Honey production saw significant declines. - Exports: The primary export markets were the United States (54%) and the European Union (27%). Overall, exports of certified organic products dropped by 14%, with declines in processed goods and animal products such as wool and honey. - Domestic Market: The local market for organic products remained small, with only 3.1% of certified production consumed domestically, primarily processed goods like wine, juices, and sugar. The report highlights the ongoing importance of exports to the organic sector and notes challenges such as reduced harvested areas and declining export volumes in several key products. https://lnkd.in/dDPvAswK #OrganicArgentina

🌱 Exciting Growth for Two Brothers Organic Farms® Organic Farms! 🌱 Two Brothers Organic Farms® Farms has successfully raised Rs 58.25 crore in a Series-A funding round, marking a significant milestone for the brand's mission to promote organic farming and healthy living. About Two Brothers Organic Farms® Farms: Founded by Satyajit Hange and Ajinkya H., Two Brothers Organic Farms is committed to revolutionizing the organic food industry. The company works closely with small farmers to adopt organic farming practices, ensuring the production of high-quality, chemical-free food. With a focus on sustainability, the brand has built a loyal customer base in India and is now set to expand its reach to the United States. Funding Details: This funding round was led by Rainmatter by Zerodha, an investment initiative by Zerodha, and notable Silicon Valley entrepreneur Raju Chekuri, founder of NetEnrich. Rainmatter contributed Rs 50 crore, showcasing their dedication to supporting climate and health startups. The majority of participating investors were long-standing consumers and advocates of Two Brothers Organic Farms. Utilization of Funds: The capital raised will be pivotal in expanding Two Brothers Organic Farms®s' market presence in India and the United States. The funds will also be used to strengthen supply-side operations and explore demand-side opportunities, promoting the widespread adoption of organic food. This substantial funding will not only help the brand grow but also support Indian farmers in embracing sustainable agricultural practices. Why This Matters: Two Brothers Organic Farms stands at the forefront of the organic food movement, addressing critical questions about food safety and nutrition. Their work with small farmers improves livelihoods and ensures the availability of safe, healthy food. The involvement of prominent investors like Nithin Kamath of Zerodha highlights the growing importance of health-conscious investments in the food sector. Aspirants Space Encouragement : Aspirants Space congratulates Two Brothers Organic Farms® Organic Farms on this remarkable achievement. We encourage the company to hire top aspirants who share their vision for a healthier, sustainable future. Source : https://lnkd.in/e-TyGR6R Aspirants Space : https://lnkd.in/gYkc-Ni8 Let's spread the word! Share this news within your network and support the growth of organic farming. #AspirantsNews #TwoBrothersOrganicFarms #Funding #OrganicFood #Sustainability #Health #Startups #Growth #Hiring

Victorian startup Natural Branding Australia has secured a farm trial with a citrus grower in Mildura to laser-brand 10 per cent of its crop for the 2025 harvest, representing a breakthrough in its founder Dr Adam Chrimes' mission to replace plastic stickers on fruit and cut 500 tonnes of plastic from the food supply chain each year.  ... https://lnkd.in/gdUVQEaB

The release of the Nescafé Plan 2030 Progress Report highlights significant advancements in sourcing coffee from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture. This achievement is presented as a milestone in securing the future of coffee through increased farm yields and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, several critical considerations must be addressed to evaluate the true impact and sustainability of these claims, particularly given the context of the global coffee market. Evaluation of Regenerative Agriculture Practices While sourcing over 20% of Nescafé's coffee from regenerative agriculture practitioners is commendable, the report lacks detailed metrics on the environmental benefits and socio-economic impacts on farmers. The term "regenerative agriculture" encompasses a range of practices, and without clear, standardized benchmarks, it's challenging to assess the consistency and effectiveness of these methods across different regions. Impact on Farm Yield and Emissions The reported increases in farm yield per hectare and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are promising. However, the report should provide more granular data on how these improvements are measured and verified. For instance, what specific practices contributed to yield increases, and how were emission reductions quantified? Moreover, are these benefits uniformly distributed among small-scale and large-scale farmers, or do disparities exist? Socio-Economic Implications for Farmers The emphasis on environmental benefits must be balanced with the socio-economic wellbeing of farmers. While regenerative practices can enhance soil health and productivity, they often require initial investments in training and resources. The report should address how these costs are managed and whether farmers receive adequate support and compensation. Additionally, the impact on farmers' livelihoods, market access, and long-term financial stability remains crucial to understanding the overall success of the initiative. Broader Industry Context and Market Implications A significant portion of the global coffee supply is publicly traded in major markets such as London and New York, dominated by leading coffee producers. This trading environment influences coffee prices and can introduce volatility that affects farmers' income and market stability. The report should consider how the Nescafé Plan aligns with these broader market dynamics and whether it helps shield farmers from market fluctuations. Addressing these issues is vital for creating a sustainable and resilient coffee supply chain. Future Commitments and Transparency While the report reflects positive achievements, it should also outline specific, measurable goals for the coming years. Transparency in reporting progress, challenges, and areas needing improvement will be essential for maintaining credibility and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Our new quinoa grower Lennert is growing organic quinoa for the first time on the Dutch island Schouwen-Duiveland. 🌾 In the article below he explains choosing quinoa because it is a future-proof crop. New crops are especially important in this area due to the changing environmental conditions, such as drought. For more information click on the article below! ⬇️ #quinoa #futureproofcrop #sustainable Foodvalley NL F&A Next Provincie Gelderland Oost NL FoodDelta Zeeland StartLife