At the time of writing, a number of issues that will have a major impact on the VanDrie Group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are already in play.
Firstly, the VanDrie Group will also start reporting in line with the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We are trying to make a clear shift in reporting style, from descriptive to more statistical reporting. In this way, we hope to promote comparability and create transparency about our activities within the whole group.
Introduction of the EUDR
European agreements have been reached on rules for deforestation-free products. As a result, the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) will come into force from next year. These rules are intended to reduce the greenhouse gases caused by the European Union itself. Products that cause deforestation, or which affect forests, may no longer be imported into the EU, produced in the EU, or exported from the EU. The EUDR applies to specific raw materials and derived products that could pose a risk of deforestation.
The EUDR will come into force for large companies in the Netherlands on 30 December 2024. The VanDrie Group trades in and produces various products that are governed by EUDR legislation. The relevant companies in our organisation are therefore preparing for implementation of the pending legislation around the EUDR. Our companies cannot do this alone. Therefore, a great deal of work is currently underway in collaboration with suppliers, sector and industry associations and regulators, amongst others, to prepare for the introduction of this legislation. We are confident our activities will be compliant when the EUDR comes into force.
Veal Forward – a sustainable future for veal farming
In addition, the 'Veal Forward sector plan, a sustainable future for Dutch veal farming' was drawn up in 2023. This plan is sure to provide important guidance for our activities and research projects.
Veal Forward focuses on four main pillars:
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Good care of the calf
Ensuring that a number of basic principles are met throughout the chain, such as setting requirements for care and health as a condition for moving calves. -
Humane veal farming
The sector is striving for significantly improved animal welfare. This includes measures related to stall design, stall climate and (feed) management. -
In balance with nature
The sector is working towards energy-neutral and climate-neutral production by 2050. Through production and use of renewable energy and energy conservation and/or recovery. As far as nitrogen emissions, the sector is participating in the 'Agreement to accelerate innovation for the reduction of emissions for sustainable livestock farming’ (Convenant versnelling innovatie emissiereductie duurzame veehouderij). -
Transparent collaboration in the chain
Cooperation in a European context is essential to achieve the sector’s ambitions and goals. But it also requires cross-chain cooperation with governments, NGOs and research and educational institutions.
The sector will monitor the effectiveness of the various measures using different critical performance indicators for the areas of health, animal welfare, sustainability and market. The VanDrie Group endorses the objectives of the sector plan and is committed to contributing to its achievement.
European food strategy
The meat processing companies in the Netherlands are committed to developing a European food strategy. This is to ensure that food demand can continue to be met with a clear sustainable profile in a troubled world. Sustainability in this context encompasses footprint, local environmental impact and wellbeing.
Preparation for CSRD
As of 2026, the VanDrie Group will report on 2025 in line with the CSRD. A dual materiality analysis is being used to determine the relevant topics for this report. We expect to report on the following material themes: animal welfare, circularity, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, working conditions of own employees, responsible governance, and ethics and food safety.
With objective parameters and a level European playing field, it is certainly possible to maintain a sustainable future for our chain.
