IN SHORT
MVO company visit to Argent Energy
Frank Bergmans and Livia Hendriks visited Argent Energy’s Amsterdam site on behalf of MVO. During the visit, they were given a tour of the biodiesel facility together with Dickon Posnett, and received an update on the new production line currently nearing completion.
The site currently produces around 100,000 tonnes of waste-based biodiesel per year. Once the new installation becomes operational, capacity will increase to over 300,000 tonnes. These investments underline the role of FAME biodiesel as a scalable and immediately deployable renewable fuel within the energy transition.
MVO networking event – 26 March 2026
On Thursday 26 March 2026, MVO will host its annual networking event for members and stakeholders. The central theme is practical action and food security in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Pieter Cobelens, strategic adviser and retired Major General, will outline current geopolitical threats and their potential implications for food supply and supply chain resilience. He will be followed by Marten van den Berg, Director-General for Agro at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, who will reflect on ongoing policy initiatives, including food security, cybersecurity and international trade.
The programme offers insight and a sense of urgency, while also providing ample opportunity to connect. The event will take place at Buitenplaats Kameryck and will conclude with a networking reception. Members and stakeholders can register
MVO Present at Palm Oil Conference 2026
From 9 to 11 February, Kuala Lumpur once again became the centre of the international palm oil trade during POC 2026. With more than 2,000 participants, an extensive speaker programme and a busy exhibition floor hosting meetings and bilateral discussions, the conference served as a key platform for global market developments. Many MVO members were in attendance. Frans Claassen participated on behalf of MVO.
For MVO, POC provided a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the most important international developments shaping the oils and fats market, and to further strengthen its network with organisations such as GAPKI, Malaysian Palm Oil Council and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries. In addition, MVO organised a meeting for attending members with Pieter Blussé, Deputy Head of Mission and Trade Counsellor at the Dutch Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
MVO Present at BIOFACH 2026
From 11 to 14 February, BIOFACH took place in Nuremberg, the world’s largest trade fair for organic food and agriculture. With more than 2,700 exhibitors from over 90 countries and around 50,000 visitors, the event serves as the leading international meeting point for the organic sector.
On behalf of MVO, Janneke van der Bijl attended the fair for two days. She met with various members, international partners and government representatives to follow developments in the organic market and exchange knowledge on the role of organic production within a sustainable food system. The central theme of BIOFACH 2026 was ‘Yes, we do! Shaping the transformation of the food system’.
Due Diligence Webinar
Meer dan 50 deelnemers namen deel aan het webinar over het Due Diligence Dashboard, georganiseerd door FNLI, VBZ en MVO. Centraal stond de vraag hoe bedrijven in de agrofoodsector op een gestructureerde en datagedreven manier duurzaamheidsrisico’s kunnen identificeren en prioriteren. Wageningen University & Research lichtte toe hoe het dashboard sociale en milieurisico’s in kaart brengt op basis van wetenschappelijke methodologie en openbare databronnen. Het instrument ondersteunt bedrijven bij hun due diligence-verplichtingen onder Europese regelgeving, zoals de CSRD en de EUDR. Tijdens het webinar was veel aandacht voor harmonisatie, transparantie en praktische toepasbaarheid in de keten.
OFI International 2026
From 21 to 23 September 2026, OFI International will take place in Amsterdam. This international event brings together professionals from the oils and fats sector to discuss developments in industry, science and technology. OFI International provides a platform for knowledge exchange and networking on innovation, market developments and technological applications within the sector. For more information, please visit their website.
YOF Event – 26 February
On Thursday 26 February, Young Oils & Fats (YOF) will host a substantive networking event for young professionals in the oils and fats sector. The event will take place at SD Guthrie and will feature a panel discussion followed by a networking reception. During the panel, speakers from Rabobank, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WWF and Solidaridad will discuss international supply chains, sustainability and geopolitical developments, as well as their implications for business.
MVO members under the age of 40 can still register via this link.
