Responsibly Fresh – Goodness by nature

Download Sustainability Report: Responsibly Fresh Goodness by nature 2021

The cooperative fruit and vegetable sector further improves its sustainability

With Responsibly Fresh Goodness by nature, the fruit and vegetable producers and their cooperatives – associated within VBT, the Association of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives – make collective efforts towards sustainability. They first look at getting their own businesses in order. By obtaining the necessary certificates and inspections by external parties, they’ve been able to show meaningful progress.

Cooperative entrepreneurship is sustainable entrepreneurship

The word “cooperative” means working together. This is what the fruit and vegetable producers do. Instead of selling their products on the local and international markets individually, the mainly family-owned businesses have grouped themselves together and formed cooperatives.

Sustainably produced, healthily consumed

Living more healthily can be achieved by moving more and through mindful consumption. It is advisable to eat certain goods more and others less.

Progress with respect for the elements of nature

Through their sustainability efforts, fruit and vegetable producers and their VBT cooperatives make an important contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The highlights of the project

NATURALLY HEALTHY

Since 2019 the fruit and vegetable producers and the VBT cooperatives are promoting their sustainability efforts under the slogan ‘Goodness by nature’. The aim is to emphasise that their products, which are naturally healthy, are being produced with minimal impact on the environment.

IN COOPERATION WITH THE VALUE CHAIN

Where and when possible, the fruit and vegetable producers and their VBT cooperatives are approaching other stakeholders in the market to establish initiatives that will encourage healthier eating and continued sustainable development. In cooperation with the different links in the value chain.

HEALTHIER EATING

A priority for the fruit and vegetable producers and their VBT cooperatives is encouraging consumption of their healthy and sustainable products, as well as promoting food thrift, out of respect for its inherent value and in cooperation with the consumer.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The fruit and vegetable producers and their VBT cooperatives are inspired in their sustainability efforts by the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In fact, they’ve highlighted nine, in cooperation with the world community.