20 11 2025
On 19 November, the official start signal was given at Skal Biocontrole in Zwolle for the execution of a new role: the task of chain director of the organic import control chain in the Netherlands. During a celebratory meeting with representatives of all chain partners that have a role in the controls, namely the Customs, the KCB and the NVWA, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety and Nature (LVVN) handed over the coordination to Frans Timmers, Import Manager at Skal. Representatives from the organic sector in the Netherlands were also present in the room or online. The new role of chain director is now part of Skal’s portfolio.
Festive kickoff
During the meeting, the manager of the programme Development of Organic Import 2024/2025, Harmen‑Ido van Vliet, reflected on the path that has been walked together in this programme component. Van Vliet: “The starting point was: to align the control process with the current legislation. That also meant a new division of roles and responsibilities. It was a matter of trying, searching and repeatedly finding each other in what we wanted to achieve together. It was certainly not always easy, but the willingness to develop the organic import control chain together and make it future‑proof was, and still is, there. In many different projects, everyone worked extremely hard, achieving good results. I have full confidence that we will continue to do this, with Skal as chain director.”
Looking to the future with confidence
With a collective press on the well‑known red button and the appropriate sound of a ship’s horn in the background, the handover was then reinforced. Inge Lardinois highlighted at this special moment the commitment of everyone involved in the development project and expressed great confidence in the collaboration and in the coordinating role of Skal. The representatives of all chain partners then added that, especially at the start of the programme, they had spoken and worked intensively together, ensuring real support for all changes.
After this official handover, Frans Timmers, as brand‑new chain director, took the floor. Timmers: “Now I am, on behalf of Skal, truly the chain director. And I can be that thanks to the effort of everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. I look forward to strengthening the cooperation that has been established in the programme and to jointly ensuring smooth and successful controls on the import of shipments containing organic products.”
Organic shipment import‑control process under Skal’s coordination
Skal wants to act as a connecting chain director, a reliable facilitator and sparring partner, working primarily on the basis of respect and trust. The joint goal: an effective control process that is clear for importers and guarantees the organic status of the products being imported. Because the controls are crucial for the reliability of the organic products entering the Netherlands. By coordinating the whole chain, Skal aims to contribute to smooth, fast and reliable controls. A strong collaboration is indispensable for this, as all chain partners affirm. All parties look forward to continuing to invest together in this cooperation.
