Netherlands: Organic shops get organised

Shop entrepreneurs specialising in organic food have founded an association of organic shops, the Biowinkelvereniging. Over 80 entrepreneurs with a range of mainly organic food have already become members. The association is open to all chains and independent stores in the Netherlands offering a range of at least 80 % of organic food. Each retailer can join the association, like health food stores, organic shops, butchers, bakers, farm shops and online stores. Biowinkelvereniging aims at encouraging self-employment, increasing the quality of organics and at adding value to them. Other goals are lobbying, information and a connection of the actors of the organic food chain  from farmers to consumer, Bionext reports. Revenues of organic food increased by more than 17 % in the Netherlands in 2011.

The association takes seat on the Board of Trustees of Bionext. The membership fee is partially inserted into Bionext, for general interests of the sector, and for specific advocacy for organic foods stores. Affiliated stores receive additional support for their communication towards customers. The Biowinkelvereniging is one of the three pillars of Bionext, the umbrella organization for organic farming and food in the Netherlands. In spring 2012, organic farmers and gardeners joined forces to form their own association: the BioHuis. Trade and processing had been organized within the Vereniging Biologische Producenten en Handel - Organic Producers and Trade Association (VBP) for several years. The BioHuis and VBP are the other pillars of chain organization Bionext. More information (in Dutch) can be found at http://www.bioverkooppunten.nl/.

Bionext