At De Bolster, we dream of a world with future-proof agriculture. A world where nature does as much of the work as possible, thanks to the expertise of the grower. The organic sector cares for the environment, the climate, biodiversity, animals, and future generations.
The conventional agricultural and horticultural system has been successful in terms of yields over the past few decades. However, much of what made this success possible has now become a major challenge.
On this page, you can read the powerful story of organic agriculture.
Farmers and growers are forced to aim for the lowest price because the market demands it. Therefore, the entire agricultural sector is focused on increasing yields and intensification. As much manure as possible is used, and the land is utilized for high-yield crops. The use of crops that are essential for soil recovery but have low returns is under pressure.
To keep competing in this race to the bottom as a farmer, scaling up is necessary. And to finance that scale, operations must become even more efficient. Thus, the cycle perpetuates itself.
In this model, there is hardly any room for nature and natural processes. External negative effects are rarely taken into account. But the massive loss of biodiversity, the poor quality of our water, and the decline in soil quality—we can no longer ignore these facts.
Take bees, for example. Out of the 115 most important food crops, 87 are dependent on pollination by bee species. At the same time, it appears that 55% of Dutch bee species are threatened or have even disappeared from the Netherlands.
55% of bee species in the Netherlands are threatened or have already disappeared from the country.
A world with future-proof agriculture for the makers, the eaters, and the planet. It is possible. The organic label ensures that farmers and growers are given the space to work with nature again.
Thanks to the label, their products are easily recognizable on the shelves. As a consumer, you can make a conscious choice. As a farmer, your organic products yield a better return because of it.
Price premium
This premium compensates for the investments that farmers and growers make in nature. Thanks to this added value, they can work without chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, for example.
Legally protected
It is clear that the product meets the strict legal requirements for organic production. ‘Organic’ is a legally protected term governed by European legislation. No greenwashing here.
A growing sector
The reliable organic framework gives breeders, seed producers, growers, and the processing chain the chance to work towards a healthy and expanding organic sector.
Collaborate on new varieties, become an organic grower, home gardener, or retailer. Use your influence by sharing this positive story. Read how you can help:
“Organic growing is a wonderful experience for farmers, growers, and home gardeners alike.”
What do you choose when you support the organic label? Whether as a consumer, farmer, or gardener:
More biodiversity
We do not use toxins, we grow a wider variety of crops, ensure a more diverse rural landscape, and make more use of flower strips and natural enemies for pests and diseases. In organic cultivation, diseases and pests are prevented through the right choice of varieties, a balanced nutritional status, sufficient biodiversity, and a wide crop rotation. Soil nutrients are replenished using natural manure and compost.
Clean water, clean air
While the nitrogen problem has occupied the Netherlands for years, and targets for water quality have long gone unmet, organic farming ensures clean water and a massive reduction in emissions. Because we do not work with synthetic fertilizers, there is no synthetic nitrogen deposition. No chemicals leach into the water. Clean water is better for animals, plants, and our drinking water.
Natural food
Because no chemicals are used, you know exactly what you are eating. Organic food often has higher nutritional values, antioxidants, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Healthy growers
Links between Parkinson’s disease and the use of chemical agents in agriculture and horticulture are increasingly considered proven. Organic agriculture and horticulture are healthy for growers and farmers.
Better for animals
At De Bolster, we focus on seeds, but when it comes to animal products, organic is also the best choice.
Organic growing is a wonderful experience for farmers, growers, and home gardeners alike. Harnessing the power of nature is all about craftsmanship. No shortcuts, but nurturing a rich soil life and keeping the ecosystem in balance alongside nature.
Read, for example, the story of grower Jan Willem Bakker.
“Our land is the legacy of the generation before us.”
Organic seeds are produced according to organic agricultural methods. The longest part of a seed’s life is the seed production phase. Reason enough to choose organic seeds; that way, you stimulate organic practices from start to finish.
Moreover, organic seeds have built up resilience because they occasionally encounter pests and diseases during breeding. They pass this resilience on to the next generation. Therefore, the seeds you buy produce resilient plants. Organic seeds form a healthy start for organic cultivation.
Persistent misconceptions often stand in the way of a constructive conversation about organic food. Viewed from the conventional system, it is indeed a major shift. We completely understand that people need time to adjust to this.
The more people stand up for the true story, the better. That is why we address the most common misconceptions below. Will you help us tell the real story in the places where you have influence?
Feeding the world
Organic agriculture yields, on average, about 20% less per hectare. For some, this is a reason to claim that organic ‘cannot feed the world.’ However, organic cannot be viewed separately from the goal of a more plant-based diet. Animal-based food requires a vast amount of space. If we transition to more plant-based eating, it frees up more space for nature and for organic agriculture. Moreover, it is the best way to make farming around nature reserves sustainable. The nitrogen emissions are much lower and the water quality around fields is much better.
‘Regenerative’ versus organic
The green marketing lobby sometimes hinders the growth of organic by striving for regenerative agriculture. It utilizes existing cultivation practices from the organic sector, but with ‘regenerative,’ pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are still allowed. This misleads the consumer. Regenerative farming does not truly contribute to long-term sustainability in a structural way. It doesn’t ensure that a farmer gets the space to work with nature. The system where the farmer must primarily focus on cost reduction and the use of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers remains intact.
Is regenerative agriculture wrong? Not at all, as long as the farming principles are applied organically—meaning certified without toxins and without synthetic fertilizers.
Breeding or genetic engineering?
Proponents of gene technology point out that crops can be made more resistant. However, nature is inherently resistant and resilient enough on its own. Furthermore, the manipulation of genetic material in living organisms is risky. It raises ethical questions about the natural order and the control humans exert over living organisms. There are concerns about the unpredictability of genetic modifications and the possibility of unintended long-term effects on ecosystems.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) can cause unwanted ecological changes because they reproduce in their environment. We believe it is essential that everyone has access to healthy vegetable varieties containing uitsluitend (only) traits that occur naturally.
Regenerative and organic agriculture
Read how we are working towards more organic. Be inspired by growers, home gardeners, employees, and others who believe in 100% organic.
