The lowly potato as an appellation contrôlée. From bulk to niche in the Dutch food sector

Abstract

In this paper I review the potential of EU regional origin quality schemes for addressing the sustainability and livelihood challenges that the Dutch agricultural sector faces. I show how in various European countries new regional products have been introduced and developed and have subsequently been registered under the EUs quality scheme for agricultural products. In this way farmers are better able to transition (part of) their production from bulk to niche. Such products allow farmers to increase their profit margins and enable a more sustainable production mode at the same time.