Wanted: solutions for alternatives to peat in potting soil (substrate) for export

Products containing peat, such as potting soil and substrates, are widely used in agriculture and horticulture. However, the extraction and use of peat have a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, the United Kingdom (UK) aims to implement a sales ban on peat-containing products for consumers this year, followed by a ban in the professional sector in 2026. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and the team of LNV Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in London see opportunities for Dutch startups, scaleups, and innovative SMEs in this regard and make 25,000 euros available for sustainable innovations that help contribute towards a peat-free export to the UK.

Do you, your team, or organization have a smart innovation that contributes to the transition to a peat-free export to the UK? Do you want to accelerate innovation together with the Ministry of LNV and discover opportunities in the UK? If yes, we look forward to receiving your submission!

The challenge

Peat is an important component in potting soil/substrate and plays a significant role in supporting plant growth. However, peat is a finite fossil resource, formed from the partial decomposition of plant material thousands of years ago. Peat is obtained by excavating peatlands, which releases stored CO2 into the atmosphere.

In the UK, the use of peat in horticulture has been topic of discussion for some time. There is ample support for a possible ban on the use of peat in horticulture. The exact form of the intended ban, both in terms of use and import of peat, is not yet clear. If implemented, this could affect the market in which many Dutch companies operate. At the same time, a new market for peat-free products is emerging.

The United Kingdom imports many horticultural products containing peat from the Netherlands. These include bags of potting soil; flower bulbs covered with peat during transport; and plant material with roots in peat-containing growing media. The latter includes plants in pots and young plants in soil plugs.

Awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the use of peat is growing worldwide, including in Germany and Switzerland. These developments provide for potential opportunities for a broader market for innovative solutions, both in alternatives to peat and in sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. Solutions that align with the peat ban in the UK could in the future also make a substantial contribution to the sustainability of agriculture and horticulture, both in the Netherlands and worldwide.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking innovative solutions that can replace the use of peat in products exported from the Netherlands to the UK.

By issuing this challenge, we aim to raise awareness among companies about the changing market and the future need of specifically the British consumer for a continuous and robust supply of peat-free products. Above all, we want to encourage companies to harness their innovation power for this purpose!

We are exploring tangible solutions to reduce the use of peat. This includes not only alternatives to peat use in substrates and potting soil but also practical methods for implementation by potting soil companies, growers, and cultivators.

What solutions can help?

New sustainable alternatives to peat: Research and development of environmentally friendly materials to replace peat in substrates and potting soil.

1. Optimization of alternative substrate mixes: Innovative solutions to improve the composition of alternative substrate mixes.
2. Innovations in storage and supply of substrates: Efficient and sustainable ways to store and deliver substrates.
3. Optimization for specific plant species: Innovative solutions for optimal growth conditions for specific crops without the use of peat.
4. These concrete solutions aim not only to reduce peat use but also to promote sustainability throughout the entire operation, from the production of alternative materials to their practical application.

What are we not looking for?

We are not seeking advisory services and media campaigns. 

Online Q&A session

Do you have questions?

Sign up for the online Q&A session!

Do you have questions about the challenge or would you like to meet the 'people behind the challenge'? Then sign up for the online Q&A session (Teams) on Monday, March 4th from 13:30 to 14:30 and ask all your questions!

Participation is not mandatory.

Yes, I will attend

What is there to win?

• A chance to secure a contract to develop a prototype/pilot with an innovation budget of up to €25,000, excluding VAT.
• Advice and support from the LNV Council network and their teams, which can help advance your solution.
• Access to the ecosystem of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality (LNV) and the LNV Attaché network.

Assessment criteria

• Sustainability: The proposed solutions must be sustainable, with minimal impact on the environment.
• Efficiency: Alternative materials and methods should be practical, competitive, and cost-effective (in the long term).
• Scalability: Solutions must be suitable for large-scale application.
• Safety: The solution must not pose risks to plant and human health or the spread of unwanted substances.
• Innovative: We are interested in alternative solutions that are innovative and distinctive.

Participation requirements

• Participants must be a Dutch company registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
• The solution complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Capable of demonstrating a working prototype/product/service.
• Able to initiate a pilot project within 3-6 months.

Your Pitch

The submission must include the following components:

• Description of the solution: Provide the most concrete description possible of your solution.
• Description of the pilot: Provide a brief description of what is needed to create a prototype and/or set up a pilot, and what you require from us. Address the support needed, necessary access/materials/data, and the financial proposal for the pilot and, upon success, for the long term.
• Team description: Provide a brief description of the company and team that will be carrying out the pilot.

The submission must meet the following requirements:

• In Dutch or English.
• Maximum of 4 pages / 12 slides.
• In the form of a presentation, slide deck, or text file.
• Uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait A4 format, maximum 30MB).

Timeline

• February 1st at 12:00: Launch of the challenge
• March 4th: Online Q&A session (not mandatory) - sign up via the button above
• March 28th at 17:00: Deadline for submission
• By April 18th: Announcement of selection
• May 8th: Online discussions with selection
• By May 15th: Announcement of winner
• May 29th: Submission of financial proposal
• June 1st: Online matchmaking with stakeholders

About us

The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality works on sustainable food systems, valuable nature, and vital countryside. For current and future generations, in the Netherlands, Europe, and worldwide.

The European and International Agro-economic Policy Directorate (EIA) contributes to the creation and implementation of Dutch, European, and international frameworks for sustainable and competitive agriculture. Sustainability concerns the earning capacity of entrepreneurs and care for nature and climate. EIA contributes to this by utilising the power of the Dutch agricultural complex.

The team of the LNV Councellor in the United Kingdom is there for companies, entrepreneurs, and knowledge institutions from the agricultural sector wishing to do business in the UK, across all links of the supply chain: from starting material to end product. Additionally, the LNV Councellor supports the international policy objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality in the UK.