When it comes to sustainability in agriculture, every step of the journey matters—from the research and development of products to ensuring they reach growers in a safe and compliant manner. At Van Iperen International, we believe that regulatory expertise is just as important as the products we create. But how do regulations shape the industry, and what role do they play in driving sustainability?
In the latest episode of our series ‘How to Make Conventional Agriculture More Sustainable’, we focus on the work of our Regulatory Department. Host Ank van der Meulen talks to Tove van der Putten, our Head of Regulatory Affairs, about how we guide the complex regulatory landscape for fertilizers and biostimulants while supporting sustainable practices.
Understanding the Role of Regulatory Affairs
Behind every innovative fertilizer or biostimulant we produce is a dedicated team ensuring safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility. As Tove explains, “Fertilizers are restricted products, and our primary goal is ensuring safety throughout the supply chain—from production to the end user.”
This rigorous oversight extends to every phase, from R&D to product registration. “We work closely with local and international authorities to stay ahead of changing regulations,” Tove shares. This proactive approach allows us to support growers worldwide with solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
Pioneering Sustainable Fertilizers and Biostimulants
At Van Iperen International, we’ve embraced the shift toward sustainability, developing more circular fertilizers and sustainable biostimulants to align with growers’ evolving needs. A key milestone was the introduction of the European Fertilizer Product Regulation, which brought organic fertilizers and biostimulants into the open market.
Tove reflects on our progress with our latest products: GreenSwitch® SOP, GreenSwitch® Original, Plants for Plants® 4-Vita, 4-Good, and 4-Terra. Both ranges, GreenSwitch® circular fertilizers and Plants for Plants® biostimulants, exemplify our commitment to reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint while maintaining productivity and quality for growers.
Regulatory Support for Growers
Beyond compliance, these frameworks empower growers to adopt smarter, more sustainable agricultural practices. The European regulation focuses on reducing pollutants and ensuring product reliability, enabling growers to make informed decisions. For us, it’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about providing actionable guidance to help growers thrive quality and sustainably.
Sustainability Across the Supply Chain
The ripple effect of sustainability-focused regulations, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), reaches all aspects of the supply chain. “At Van Iperen, we prioritize transparency and accountability in everything we do,” Tove says. “This means focusing on circular solutions and sustainable biostimulants that reflect our commitment to sustainability.”
Explore how Van Iperen International is currently working on regulatory challenges to bring opportunities for growers. Watch this episode and catch up on previous videos of ‘How to Make Conventional Agriculture More Sustainable’ on our website. Together, let’s make the Green Switch!