Dutch General Inspection Service (NAK)
for Agricultural Seeds and Seed Potatoes
English information
Introducing the NAK
Developing seeds and seed potatoes is hard work. Thanks to the knowledge, experience and dedication of Dutch breeders and growers, Dutch agricultural products have an excellent reputation worldwide.
At the NAK, we protect, promote and preserve this quality. We do this on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.
Our inspections and research take place in the field and in the laboratory. This work is an essential link in the chain from grower to end user. It requires more than inspection alone: it demands knowledge, precision and independent judgement. We are also a centre of expertise. We support growers, traders, industry and government bodies with our knowledge.
Our work is thorough. We take a careful and detailed approach to everything we do. Quality drives what we do. Together, we help build a sector that leads the way, earns recognition worldwide, and continues to innovate.
News
Our history
The NAK has existed for almost a century, but people recognised the value of healthy crops much earlier. Healthy crops are important for a stable food supply and a strong trading position. Growers formed cooperatives, organised agricultural shows and set up recognition regulations to buy good seeds and seed potatoes.
The government became involved at the end of the nineteenth century to help maintain quality standards. The Government Seed Testing Station was established and more national laws followed. By 1932, there was a need to check compliance with these laws, issue certificates, and encourage the breeding of new varieties. This marked the start of the NAK.
The NAK has since grown into an independent administrative body with a public task: to protect, promote and preserve the quality of Dutch agricultural seeds and seed potatoes. Government laws form the basis of our work. We carry out our tasks independently, objectively, and thoroughly, with quality as our guiding principle.