CARE, HEALTH, ECOLOGY & FAIRNESS
The principles of organic agriculture provide an ethical framework for the organic movement, centered on Care, Health, Ecology, and Fairness. They strongly influence our approach and inspire the way we work throughout the global organic food supply chain.
The four principles below were defined by IFOAM Organics International as an ethical framework and source of inspiration for the organic movement:
- Care: organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
- Health: organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
- Ecology: organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
- Fairness: organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
To emphasize their importance, we have assigned an ambassador to each principle who demonstrates how these values guide and inspire our operations.
Meet our ambassadors below or view the factsheet for an overview of the four principles of organic farming.
PRINCIPLE OF CARE
The principle of Care emphasizes precaution and responsibility in the way organic agriculture is managed. At DO IT Organic™, this principle encourages us to consider the potential consequences of our decisions and to take a thoughtful approach to the products we source, handle, and supply. It also reminds us to look beyond today and consider future generations.
Dominique Flederus from Packaging Operations, and Care ambassador, shares her thoughts on this principle.
“As part of the DO IT Organic™ packaging team, I see that organic goes beyond the product itself. The principle of Care reminds us to think carefully about the choices we make today and what they may mean for future generations. To me, it is about approaching our role in the food supply chain thoughtfully and responsibly.”
PRINCIPLE OF HEALTH
The principle of Health recognizes the connection between the health of soil, plants, animals, people, and ecosystems. At DO IT Organic™, this principle encourages us to consider health in a broad context and reinforces our focus on product quality, food safety, traceability, and certified organic products.
Mireille Hakken, Business Controller and our Health Ambassador, shares what the principle of Health means to her.
“What resonates with me about Health is the idea that the health of soil, plants, animals, and people is connected. Food does not exist in isolation but is part of a much larger system. This principle reminds me why it is important to pay attention to the foundations of our food system, both today and with future generations in mind.”
PRINCIPLE OF ECOLOGY
The principle of Ecology focuses on the relationship between agriculture, ecosystems, and natural cycles. Soil, plants, animals, and biodiversity are all part of a larger system. At DO IT Organic™, this principle inspires us to view the organic supply chain from that wider perspective and to remain mindful of the ecosystems on which agriculture depends.
Noah Timp, Marketing & Communication Specialist and our Ecology Ambassador, shares insights on how the principle of Ecology is embodied in organic farming.
“What inspires me about Ecology is the understanding that agriculture never exists in isolation. It is part of a larger ecosystem in which soil, plants, animals, and biodiversity all play a role. To me, this principle is about respecting those connections and viewing the choices we make throughout the food supply chain as part of a much bigger ecological picture.”
PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS
The principle of Fairness emphasizes relationships built on respect, transparency, and equity. At DO IT Organic™, this principle inspires the way we build long-term relationships throughout our supply chain and encourages us to continue learning about the social and working conditions within it.
Koen Swart, Category Manager and ambassador of this principle, shares his personal perspective on why fairness is so important in the organic agricultural system.
OUR IMPACT PARTNERS
CREATING SYNERGY
Collaboration plays an important role in putting our organic principles into practice. That is why we work with organizations we call our Impact Partners.
Guided by the four organic principles, we seek partnerships with organizations that share our values. Each partnership connects to one of these principles and focuses on specific activities, such as raising awareness, supporting research, or contributing to relevant initiatives.
By combining knowledge, networks, and expertise, these partnerships help us translate the principles of organic agriculture into concrete action.
Read more about the organizations we work with and how these partnerships help bring our organic principles to life.
RAISING AWARENESS
Health is not an abstract concept to us. Within the Health principle, we recognize that the health of soil, plants, animals and people is inseparably connected. What we sow and harvest today affects generations to come.
From this principle, we collaborate with ParkinsonNederland, a Dutch foundation dedicated to advancing research and supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease. This partnership is rooted in our belief that health is not only about food itself, but also about the conditions under which it is produced. By supporting ParkinsonNederland, we contribute to independent research and increased awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
On our website, we share personal stories of people living with Parkinson’s. Stories that resonate. Stories that highlight the importance of the precautionary principle.
SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY
Pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies play an important role in ecosystems and food production. That is why we collaborate with The Pollinators, a Dutch foundation focused on biodiversity and pollinating insects.
Together we raise awareness and help create and restore habitats where pollinating insects can thrive.
Learn more about biodiversity and our partnership with The Pollinators.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Biodiversity is one of the topics we consider within our organic supply chain and our Double Materiality Analysis.
We collaborate worldwide with farmers who work in harmony with nature, applying crop rotation and avoiding synthetic chemicals.
Fairness for us means that everyone in the supply chain is treated with respect. Farmers are paid a fair price, workers have safe conditions, and customers can trust they are buying authentic certified organic products.
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