SMK publishes the English translation of the On the way to PlanetProof certification scheme Plants products for the region Central Europe, valid from 1 January 2020.
On the webpage Certification scheme Plant Products the following updated documents are published:
Certification based on this scheme is possible in the Netherlands and other Central European countries as defined by the EU classification*. In addition to certification in Central Europe, there is a certification scheme for production in Southern Europe.
Revision process 2019
During the revision process of 2019, challenges and opportunities with regards to the certification scheme were collected, discussed, and used for optimisation of the scheme. The process started in July 2019 and continued until December 2019. Several committees and working groups came together to discuss the experiences from the field and the feasibility of the criteria. The indicated challenges, opportunities and solutions led to proposals for the revised scheme. Improving the sustainability of the cultivation was the starting point for the proposals. The public hearing, during which there was opportunity to react on the draft criteria for 2020, took place on November 14th. The Board of experts agro/ food Plant Products established the final criteria on December 5th.
Changes compared to 2019
The criteria are adjusted based on last years’ experience, providing solutions for several bottlenecks. The complete list of changes is summarized in the document ‘Summary changes revision’; some important changes are:
More information
SMK Team Plant agri chains: Stefanie de Kool, Els Lindeboom, John Janssen, Jaap Bij de Vaate, Lien Terryn and Minke van Bentum.
* Countries of Central-Europe are: Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, United Kingdom.
