Ecomare

Organic farming does not use fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Organic products are often bought with a special control mark, such as the 'Eko mark of approval'. As of 2000, 1.1% of the farmable land in the Netherlands (23,000 hectare) was being farmed organically. The demand for organic products is greater than the Dutch supply, therefore many products are being imported. The Ministry of Agriculture is striving for expansion of organic farmland up to 10% of the total by 2010. Business in organic products has not lead to a solution in the transportation problem. Many Dutch products go to other countries and many foreign products are imported. In that respect, part of the environmental advantage of local organic farming is lost.