Dutch Farming Is Using Way Fewer Pesticides: What Does That Mean for Your Groceries?

If you’ve ever walked through an Albert Heijn or Jumbo, admiring those perfectly stacked, colourful fruits and veggies, you’ve probably wondered what goes into making them look so good. Well, here’s some good news for your next shopping trip. According to new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Dutch pesticide use in farming and agriculture has dropped sharply. In 2024, farmers used 3.9 million kilograms of plant protection products, more than 22% less than in 2020. Per-hectare, usage fell from 7.1 to 5.6 kilograms. That’s a pretty big step towards more sustainable farming.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

This wasn’t just a tiny dip. We’re talking about a serious shift in Dutch pesticide use. The amount of fungicides and bactericides used dropped by 24%, while insecticides and mite control products went down by a whopping 34%. Herbicides and defoliants saw a 15% decrease. A major reason for this was the 2021 ban on the fungicide mancozeb, which pushed farmers—especially in flower cultivation—to find better alternatives.

However, not every crop followed the same pattern. If you love a comforting bowl of stamppot on a chilly Dutch evening, this might interest you. Potato farming actually went against the trend. Because 2024 was much wetter than 2020, the risk of potato blight was higher, so farmers used 23% more plant protection products on ware potatoes than in the drier year of 2020. It just goes to show how much the famously unpredictable Dutch weather can mess with farming plans, even as overall Dutch pesticide use goes down.

On the bright side, some crops saw huge improvements. Lily growers, for example, managed to cut their pesticide use by more than half, going from 601 thousand kilograms of plant protection products in 2020 to 273 thousand in 2024. Onion cultivation also saw its pesticide use per hectare reduced by more than 50%. So long, onion tears and chemical fears!

So, What Can You Do About It?

Even with this positive shift, pesticides are still a part of modern farming. Knowing this can help you feel empowered, not worried, about the food you buy.

A great place to start is right in your own kitchen. Giving your fruits and vegetables a thorough wash is always a smart move. For an extra clean, you can use a simple baking soda solution. Just add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water, then let your produce soak for a few minutes. Give it a good rinse afterwards, and you’re all set. This easy trick can help remove surface residues and give you some extra peace of mind.

Beyond washing, your shopping habits can also make a difference.

Buy Local and Seasonal: Hitting up a local farmers’ market isn’t just a lovely weekend activity; it’s a chance to chat directly with the people who grow your food. You can ask them about their methods and support those who are trying to use fewer chemicals.

Choose Organic When Possible: Organic farming standards don’t allow most synthetic pesticides. While going fully organic might not fit your budget, choosing organic for certain items on your list—like things you eat with the skin on—can be a great strategy.

Stay Informed: Keeping an eye on news about food and farming helps you understand the bigger picture of Dutch pesticide use. This allows you to make choices that align with what’s important to you, whether that’s supporting sustainable farms or just knowing more about what you eat.

Ultimately, the trend in the Netherlands is moving in the right direction. By taking these small, practical steps, you can feel more connected to your food and confident in the healthy choices you’re making.