EKO quality mark assessment in the Netherlands now in the hands of Kiwa
When it comes to assessing and certifying organic food and agriculture, Kiwa plays an important role worldwide. Since July 16, we can even better service our customers in the Netherlands, as Kiwa signed an agreement with the Dutch EKO quality mark foundation, Stichting EKO-keurmerk. Testing and certification according to the EKO Quality mark in the Netherlands is from now on largely in the hands of Kiwa.
The EKO quality mark is for agricultural entrepreneurs who work according to organic standards for the preservation of the environment, nature and landscape and animal welfare. Agricultural companies that have obtained the EKO quality mark do not use chemical pesticides, genetically modified seeds and artificial fertiliser. Cattle farmers with the quality mark have an animal-friendly working method.
Emphasize reliability
"With this agreement, testing and certification according to the EKO quality mark will largely be in the hands of Kiwa as an independent third party", said Ben Dellaert, director of Kiwa VERIN. "Thus, the foundation wants to emphasize the mark's reliability. That way, consumers can be sure that all quality mark holders work according to the same standards and pursue the same sustainability ambitions. And of course, the EKO mark fits in nicely with our other activities. We're eager to commit ourselves to independent assessments and to cooperate to strengthen the mark. After summer, we'll start inspecting and certifying farms and trade and processing companies."
The official signing ceremony took place at the EKO-certified dairy farm 'Hoeve Ackerdijk' in Schipluiden, near The Hague in the Netherlands. Owner Arie van den Berg (center) is also a board member of the foundation; he signed the cooperation with EKO Quality mark project leader Nicoline Roozen (left) and Ben Dellaert.
Nicoline Roozen, project leader of the EKO Quality mark, adds: "The EKO standards come on top of EU organic legislation and are therefore 'extra steps to take' to further sustainability. Having all connected EKO quality mark holders assessed regularly on their standards implementation, we can build a reliable mark. We now fully go public with EKO and we'll increase awareness among consumers."
More information
Would you like to know more about the EKO Quality mark? Please have a look at the website of EKO Quality mark (Dutch). Do you want more information about certification by Kiwa according to the EKO Quality mark? Please contact Kiwa by telephone via +31 (0)88 998 43 10 or by e-mail via info@kiwaverin.nl.