CARE, HEALTH, ECOLOGY & FAIRNESS
The principles of organic agriculture provide an ethical framework for the organic movement. They strongly influence our approach and inspire the way we work within the global organic food chain.
The principles are officially composed as inter-connected ethical principles to inspire the organic movement by IFOAM Organics International:
- 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.
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 about the choices we make today and their relevance for future generations. For me, it is about approaching our work thoughtfully and responsibly."
PRINCIPLE OF HEALTH
The principle of Health reflects the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, people, and ecosystems within organic agriculture. At DO IT Organic, this principle encourages us to consider health in a broad context and reinforces our focus on quality, food safety, and certified organic products.
Mireille Hakken, Business Controller and our Health ambassador, shares her insights on how organic agriculture benefits both the planet and personal health.
“What resonates with me about Health is the idea that the health of soil, plants, animals and people is connected. It reminds us that food is part of a much bigger picture, and that caring for the foundations of our food system matters for generations to come.”
PRINCIPLE OF ECOLOGY
The principle of Ecology highlights the importance of ecological systems and cycles within organic agriculture. Together with our partners, we aim to better understand our relationship with topics such as soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems throughout the organic supply chain.
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 idea that agriculture does not exist in isolation. It is part of a wider ecosystem in which soil, plants, animals and biodiversity all play a role. For me, this principle is about respecting those connections and looking at the choices we make as part of the 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 approach long-term relationships throughout our supply chain and encourages us to keep learning about the social 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.
"Working for a company that values fair and long-term relationships is incredibly meaningful. It's about creating a system where everyone is treated justly and has a fair stake in the outcomes. Unfortunately, these standards aren't always met. For me, fairness also means open communication, transparent processes, and equal opportunities for everyone."
OUR IMPACT PARTNERS
CREATING SYNERGY
Collaboration plays an important role in putting our organic principles into practice. That is why we work with what 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 organisations 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 recognise that the health of soil, plant, animal and human beings is inseparably connected. What we sow and harvest today influences generations to come.
From this principle, we work together with ParkinsonNederland. This partnership was founded on our conviction that health is not only about nutrition, but also about the conditions in which food is produced. By supporting ParkinsonNederland, we contribute to independent research and greater awareness surrounding Parkinson’s disease.
On our website, we share personal stories of people living with Parkinson’s disease. Stories that resonate. Stories that underline 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.
Through this partnership, we support initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving habitat for pollinating insects.
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.
In the Netherlands, we also partner with The Pollinators to raise awareness and support initiatives focused on pollinating insects.
Care encourages long-term thinking and a precautionary approach. At DO IT Organic, this principle inspires us to consider how decisions made today may affect our supply chain and future generations.
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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