Meet six farmers from the Netherlands who share
their passion for organic farming.

“Quality and reliability”

More than 80 percent of the organic poultry farms in the Netherlands combine their main activity with another organic product. However, Jaap van Deelen, is one of only a handful who combine poultry with dairy cattle. With 25.000 hens and 45 cows, Van Deelen has quite a few mouths to feed. >>more

“Organic high-tech”

Almost every tomato, sweet pepper and cucumber grown by the three Verbeek brothers in their greenhouses in Velden, Limburg, is consumed abroad. It’s all a matter of taste, looks and freshness, says Fons Verbeek. >>more

“Carrots from perfect soil”

Until 1999 Kees van Beek, of Langeweg in the southern province of Brabant, ran a regular farm. In 2000 he was certified as an organic farmer, producing vegetables, potatoes, onions and herbs. In 2005 he merged his company with the farms of two neighbours to cut costs and improve efficiency. >>more

“Reliable, standardised and safe”

“Once you’ve made the transition to organic farming, you’ll never want to go back. Not for yourself and not for your animals”, says Jan Overesch of Raalte in the eastern Dutch province of Overijssel. >>more

“We are colleagues, not competitors”

Jan van Woerden was certified as an organic farmer in the province of Flevoland in 1999, after a three-year transition period. Working in the cluster of organic farms that this province of reclaimed land has become, Van Woerden values and appreciates the presence of his colleagues. >>more

“The cheese experience”

Animal welfare was Ton Spijkerman’s primary reason to start his organic dairy and cattle farm in Wapserveen in 1994. “We regard organic farming as the most sustainable way to farm”, says Spijkerman. >>more