The balance between climate goals and community interests
As a fruit and vegetable importer, we face an important challenge: how can we maximize our contribution to the fight against climate change without harming the economic interests of communities in developing countries? In an era where sustainability is increasingly prioritized, finding the right balance is essential.
Our fresh products often travel in the cargo hold of commercial passenger planes, with the goal of ensuring freshness and quality. It is important to note that reducing the import of these products by air does not automatically mean there will be fewer flights. These flights are primarily driven by passenger numbers, so reducing air imports would have only a limited impact on the number of flights.
While striving for climate neutrality, we must not lose sight of the impact on communities in developing countries. For many of these communities, the export of fresh produce is a crucial source of income and food security. Reducing air freight imports could lead to job and income losses, thereby harming local economies.
According to the latest research from Fairmiles, it is estimated that approximately 18 million people in developing countries benefit from fresh produce exported to the European market via these flights. This export creates employment and income for farmers and producers, allowing them to invest in their communities by building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Moreover, it stimulates economic growth and diversification, enabling these countries to develop and combat poverty.
Due to the increasing pressure on organizations to take action in the fight against climate change, there is a growing risk that Net Zero strategies, which aim to reduce emissions by limiting imports or air-freighted food, may ultimately have a negative impact on communities in economically less developed countries.
Therefore, we believe it is crucial to find a balance between climate goals and community interests. Instead of abruptly halting air-freight imports, we advocate for a gradual transition to more sustainable practices, taking into account the needs of both the environment and the communities.
Global G.A.P.
Almost all our suppliers are Global G.A.P. certified. Global G.A.P. is a worldwide non-profit organisation with an important mission: to make agriculture sustainable the world over. It imposes strict requirements on growers in terms of food safety, traceability, the environment, health, safety and human and animal welfare.
— INTERNATIONAL
COLEAD
Bud Holland works closely with the international organisation COLEAD. This organisation’s mission is to encourage sustainable trade between ACP countries and the European Union. Working closely with COLEAD, we help our suppliers in ACP countries to work more sustainably and efficiently through the “Growing People” programme. “Growing People” means moving forward sustainably by giving people the means to flourish while respecting the environment, humanity and society. We encourage and motivate our suppliers to do business more sustainably and more efficiently by sharing the knowledge and expertise we have built up over the years.
— PLASTIC
Packagings
Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time, and we want to be part of the solution. In our efforts to minimize plastic consumption, we carefully weigh various factors to make the best possible choices for our packaging. While our ultimate goal is to significantly reduce plastic use, we understand that this requires a delicate balance between sustainability, usability, and maintaining quality. Plastic often plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of our vegetables and fruits, thereby reducing food waste.
However, we are continuously exploring alternative materials and innovative packaging solutions that allow us to preserve product freshness while minimizing our reliance on plastic.
We understand that packaging is not only about protecting our products but also about preserving their freshness and extending their shelf life. That is why we carefully select packaging materials and designs that help minimize food waste, ensuring that our vegetables and fruits reach consumers in optimal condition and are enjoyed to the fullest.
Engagement
Bud Holland is rooted firmly in society, and as such we are keen to play an active role in the local community, whether it’s for the football club around the corner or for our supplier in Peru. Our social involvement benefits a wide range of sports clubs, charitable foundations and employers’ organisations. Examples close to home are the De Commandeur tennis club, the Excelsior Maassluis football club, MSV’71 and MVV’27, the Home Town Festival and Sport en Spel Maasland.
— SUSTAINABILITY
1.600 solar panels
The 1.600 solar panels we have installed generate around 25% of our annual electricity consumption. Besides that we also choice for electricity generated by wind turbines off the coast of the Netherlands, 100% green and sustainable. But solar panels and green electricity are not the only steps we are taking on our way to a sustainable future. For example, we were one of the first companies in the Netherlands to use LED lights throughout our premises and air curtains in our warehouse. We have also been exclusively using electric forklifts in our warehouse for the past 25 years, and we have a number of electric vehicles in our fleet. Bud Holland will continue to pursue this sustainable course in the future.
