Countries
Categories
Netherlands
Agriculture and Livestock
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Agriculture and horticulture
The Dutch agricultural sector produces mostly cereals (wheat in particular), feed crops (such as fodder maize) and potatoes. The horticultural sector focuses on vegetables and flower bulbs. Dutch greenhouses produce mostly vegetables and flowers like sweet peppers and roses.
Rules on the use of genetically modified crops
Before a GM crop can be used in the European Union, in agriculture or as fodder or food, the genetically modified organism (GMO) must be approved at European Union (EU) level. The producer must provide scientific evidence that the crop is harmless to humans, animals and the environment. If a GMO is approved for a particular use, the approval applies to all EU Member States.
Labelling of foods and products containing GMOs
Since 2004 the Netherlands has required producers to indicate on the label if a food product contains more than 0.9% genetically modified ingredients. In this case the words “genetically modified” or “produced with genetically modified” are placed before the name of the ingredient. However, there are few genetically modified products on the market in the Netherlands.
Antibiotic-resistant genes
Some genetically modified plants contain genes that make the plant resistant to certain antibiotics. Scientists often add these resistant genes during genetic modification so that the GM plants and cells can be distinguished from non-GM ones.
Social benefit of GMOs
There is dissatisfaction in the EU about the approvals procedure for genetically modified crops, which currently only takes account of human and animal safety. There is debate in the European Union about whether other factors should be taken into account, such as sustainability, or benefit to society. These are also referred to as “socio-economic factors”.
Consequences of GMOs for biodiversity
Genetic modification produces genetically modified animals, plants and organisms. If they are introduced into the environment they can affect biodiversity. For example, existing species can be overrun by more dominant new species.
Sustainable livestock production
The government is taking steps to make livestock farming more animal-friendly and more sustainable. Farmers must work in a way that respects the animals, the environment and people.
Particulate emissions from poultry farms
Poultry farms release a lot of particulates into the air, which is harmful for people's health and the environment. So the government is having studies done into ways of cutting particulate emissions from poultry farms.
Ammonia emissions from farms
Livestock on farms produce a lot of manure and thus a lot of ammonia, which is harmful for the environment and reduces biodiversity. Central government is taking steps to cut ammonia emissions.
