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Environmental labelling in The Netherlands: a framework for integrated farming
A G E Manhoudt1, G W J van de Ven, H A Udo de Haes
1Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. manhoudt@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Journal of Environmental Management
|October 3, 2002
Summary
This study evaluates Dutch environmental certification schemes for crops, finding most lack comprehensive criteria for water, energy, and habitat management. Recommendations include standardizing integrated agriculture definitions and developing international guidelines for verifiable environmental benefits.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Environmental certification schemes are crucial for sustainable agriculture.
- Dutch agricultural food crop certification schemes vary in their environmental criteria.
- Assessing the completeness and stringency of these schemes is vital for consumers and regulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare four Dutch environmental certification schemes for agricultural food crops.
- To analyze the methodology and criteria completeness regarding pesticide, nutrient, water, energy, and habitat management.
- To identify areas for improvement in agricultural environmental standards.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of four Dutch environmental certification schemes: MBT, CC, AMK, and EKO.
- Evaluation of scheme criteria across five key environmental aspects: pesticide use, nutrient use, water management, energy and materials consumption, and habitat management.
- Assessment of the alignment between scheme criteria and Dutch legislation.
Main Results:
- The MBT ('Environmentally Aware Cultivation') label is least stringent, primarily raising farmer awareness.
- CC ('Controlled Cultivation') and AMK ('Agro-Environmental') labels are more stringent and suitable for integrated agriculture, with recommendations for merging.
- EKO ('Organic Agriculture') label has different principles but must meet Dutch legislation; all schemes need broader criteria beyond pesticides and nutrients, including water, energy, and habitat management. Current criteria often lack quantifiable environmental benefits.
Conclusions:
- Existing Dutch environmental certification schemes for crops require enhancement in scope and specificity.
- Standardized definitions for integrated agriculture and international guidelines for agricultural stewardship are recommended.
- Development of quantitative criteria across all farming aspects is necessary for verifiable environmental benefits and consumer trust.