New VBN grading characteristics (S57) for percentage peat-free in growing medium
December 19, 2023
With the new VBN (the Dutch Flower Auctions Association) grading characteristics and values (S57), growers can now also indicate in the supply information to what extent the product has been grown peat-free. This is a voluntary characteristic, which they can include in their supply information via S57 grading characteristics and the underlying values (codes 11 to 30).
Why is this important?
Much potting soil contains peat. Extracting peat from peatlands is under international pressure because of environmental concerns, loss of biodiversity and a possible contribution to climate change. Many sector parties in the Netherlands have therefore agreed via a covenant with the government to reduce the use of peat. And also, to replace peat and peat products in the professional sector with more sustainable alternatives. Large buyers from the English, German and Swiss markets are increasingly asking for this. With these grading codes and values, buyers can respond to this customer demand and provide insight into the percentage of peat in the growing medium.
Growing greener together, our sustainable ambition
From our sustainable ambition Growing greener together, we encourage more responsible international production and trade of ornamental horticulture crops. By realising the IMVO Covenant Floriculture Sector (2019-2022) and endorsing the resulting Code of Conduct, we have committed ourselves to the established standards and values for socially responsible business in the floriculture sector. Consumers increasingly demand proven and verifiable sustainably cultivated flowers and plants. And there are also increasing demands from legislation. Reliability and transparency are essential on our platform and an absolute must for the reputation of the sector. We therefore encourage growers to be transparent about their production methods and to use grading codes and values when supplying their information.
Much potting soil contains peat. Extracting peat from peatlands is under international pressure because of environmental concerns, loss of biodiversity and a possible contribution to climate change. Many sector parties in the Netherlands have therefore agreed via a covenant with the government to reduce the use of peat. And also, to replace peat and peat products in the professional sector with more sustainable alternatives. Large buyers from the English, German and Swiss markets are increasingly asking for this. With these grading codes and values, buyers can respond to this customer demand and provide insight into the percentage of peat in the growing medium.
Growing greener together, our sustainable ambition
From our sustainable ambition Growing greener together, we encourage more responsible international production and trade of ornamental horticulture crops. By realising the IMVO Covenant Floriculture Sector (2019-2022) and endorsing the resulting Code of Conduct, we have committed ourselves to the established standards and values for socially responsible business in the floriculture sector. Consumers increasingly demand proven and verifiable sustainably cultivated flowers and plants. And there are also increasing demands from legislation. Reliability and transparency are essential on our platform and an absolute must for the reputation of the sector. We therefore encourage growers to be transparent about their production methods and to use grading codes and values when supplying their information.
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