Koppert Cress wants assistance from MEPs

'Let Nature's voice be heard in Brussels. We as "Partners with Nature" know that there are many solutions that could be translated into legislation. Nature needs your help.' This was the appeal made yesterday by Henri Oosthoek, director of Koppert Biological Systems, to a delegation of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament.

The top delegation began a three-day working visit to the Netherlands yesterday. The first visit took them to Koppert in Berkel en Rodenrijs. The delegation visited the company's headquarters there, where they were shown the history of the Koppert family business and informed about the company's innovative products such as beneficial insects used to combat pest infestations, micro-organisms to combat plant diseases and to promote growth and resilience in crops, and bumblebees that pollinate crops and therefore guarantee better fruit setting and greater yields.

Jan Huitema, Member of the European Parliament representing the Dutch party VVD, organized the working visit to the Netherlands. 'I think it's wonderful that I have been able to show a large delegation from the European Parliament how a Dutch company makes such innovative use of nature. Koppert is a pioneering company, leading the rest by a long way. We need to ensure that regulations don't fall behind. My colleagues were visibly impressed by Koppert's great innovative strength, which makes it possible to produce more and safer food with a reduced impact on the environment,’ said Huitema.

Paul Koppert, a member of Koppert's general management team, continued the story. 'It was an honour to welcome the delegation and to show them what we have achieved here at Koppert. We provided a glimpse behind the scenes in our laboratories in order to explain how we produce our micro-organisms and other biological products. The programme also includes a visit to see our bumblebees. It was important to us to be able to explain how we work in partnership with nature to improve the health of people and the Earth.'

Innovative Dutch horticultural sector in practice was explained by Rob Baan, director of Koppert Cress in Monster. He underlined the future of our food by means of a demonstration. 'An overpopulated country like the Netherlands is able to produce healthy products in a sustainable manner and in harmony with nature. We are the healthiest delta in the world.' On the same evening, the delegation visited The Hague to meet the Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp, and Minister for Agriculture Martijn van Dam.

SOURCE: Groentenet