What is Organic?
‘Organic’ is the official term for a specific method of food production that respects nature, animals and people. The values of health, ecology, fairness and care form the basis of this approach to farming. European regulations have been developed on this basis. These regulations apply to every stage of the production chain. Furthermore, the same organic regulations apply throughout Europe, and there is only one organic label across the whole of Europe.
The organic pigs from Best Star Meat Pork (BSMP) are reared in accordance with these regulations; the pig farms are independently inspected for this purpose by Skal Biocontrole.
Pillars
The aim of organic farming is to maintain the natural balance between people, nature and animals. This concerns not only agriculture but also our living environment as a whole. To underpin the values of organic farming, three specific thematic pillars have been established, each supporting the concept from a different perspective. These pillars are: (1) organic animal feed, (2) care for the planet, and (3) maximum attention to animal welfare.
Pillar 1: Organic animal feed
One of the most important requirements for organically reared pigs is their feed. Organic pigs are fed organically grown feed. Organic animal feed, compound feed or feed materials originate from organic farming and, apart from permitted additives, consist solely of organic ingredients. The organic animal feed produced can be recognised by the European quality mark.
Pillar 2: Caring for the planet
Another key aspect of organic (pig) farming is minimising the impact on the environment. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising soil and water pollution, and preserving biodiversity on and around the farm. Organic pig farms aim for a closed-loop system in which manure is used as a natural fertiliser for crops, ensuring that nutrients are produced and retained within the farm system as much as possible.
Pillar 3: With the utmost focus on animal welfare
The welfare of the pigs is central to the organic approach. This includes, amongst other things, minimising interventions; the tails of organic pigs may therefore not be docked. BSMP is the only organic pork chain in the Netherlands that permits the rearing and slaughter of intact boars. However, the pig farmer is free to make a choice in this regard. Boars may still be castrated, but only with prior anaesthesia and pain relief afterwards.
Organic pigs have access to outdoor runs, and pregnant sows have access to pasture. In addition, organically reared pigs have more space and a larger proportion of the floors are solid and bedded with straw.
Partner of the Association of Organic Pig Farmers
Van Loon Group is a partner of the Association of Organic Pig Farmers (VBV). The VBV represents the interests of the organic pig farming sector and ensures that these are properly taken into account in both national and regional policy.