Press release: Towards a sustainable spice sector in Netherlands
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Towards a sustainable spice sector in Netherlands
First international conference took place 12 October 2010 in Amsterdam
The world’s largest spice exporter, the Netherlands, hosted its first international spice conference on 12 October 2010 at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. The conference brought together over 100 people from around the world, including Dutch importers, retailers and processors as well as farmers’ organizations and exporters from countries such as India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Uganda and Vietnam.
The aim of the conference was to give momentum to an initiative by the Dutch Spice Association (NVS) to make the Dutch spice sector sustainable. NVS members include all the major players in the spice sector in the Netherlands. Companies such as Euroma, Intertaste, Unispices and Verstegen have taken a lead in looking for ways to increase sustainability in the products and operations, and the goal now is to spread sustainability across the sector.
Sustainability means different things for different people
It became clear during the conference that sustainability means different things to different actors in the supply chain. For farmers, most of them resource-poor small-holders, sustainable production often means a fair income and a stronger position in the face of price volatility. For international spice companies, sustainability reflects the needs of Western consumers who are increasingly demanding high quality, traceable, and environmentally-friendly ingredients.
Bridge the gap by building dialogue and trust
One message from the conference was that dialogue and trust are essential to aligning different interests. Through dialogue, each actor can understand the position of the other. Importers need to secure a consistent supply of quality ingredients, but conference delegates widely felt that contracts alone are not enough and other incentives are needed to gain farmers’ trust and commitment. Farmers need an immediate income, such as cash-on-the-spot, and can also benefit from training and coaching. Engaging in a certification process is one way to build up long-term relationships and trust.
Trade not aid? Trade and aid!
Although some argue that creating business opportunities and markets for poor farmers is the solution to poverty, the examples from the conference clearly suggest that support from governments and NGOs remains important. Financial aid is needed, for example, to train and coach farmers in sustainable production methods and to support communities hard-hit by HIV/AIDS.
The 2010 Sustainable Spice Conference was an initiative of the Royal Tropical Institute together with the Dutch Spice Trade Association (NVS) and the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) as well as Both Ends, Cordaid and CREM. The conference was one of several events to mark the Royal Tropical Institute's 100th anniversary.
More information
Visit www.kit.nl/spiceconference for conference details and photos.
Online dossier on sustainable spices
NVS, Cordaid, CREM and Both ENDS have published a report on issues, options and recommendations for developing a sustainable spice sector: Could you pass me the sustainable pepper, please? Towards a sustainable spice supply chain, key findings and recommendations. Visit http://www.bothends.nl/
The Royal Tropical Institute is publishing a forthcoming Bulletin on the conference outcomes (expected early 2011). To receive a copy, send us an email at: spiceconference@kit.nl
