Dutch Vegetarian Society

The Dutch Vegetarian Society^{[note 1]} (Dutch: De Nederlandse Vegetariërsbond, shortened to Vegetariërsbond and abbreviated as NVB) is a public benefit organization in the Netherlands that promotes vegetarianism and veganism. Founded on 30 September 1894, the Society works to provide information, support, and advocacy for plant-based diets. It is involved in educational initiatives, publishes literature and administers the V-Label certification. The NVB also collaborates with manufacturers and aims to reduce meat consumption in the Netherlands by 50% by 2040. Throughout its history, the Society has been active in the international vegetarian movement and has contributed to discussions on issues such as animal rights, environmental sustainability, and health.

Dutch Vegetarian Society

De Nederlandse Vegetariërsbond
Abbreviation	NVB
Founded	30 September 1894; 130 years ago (1894-09-30)
Founders	Aart Verschoor, others
Type	Public benefit organization
Registration no.	40407105[1]
Focus	Promotion of vegetarianism and veganism
Headquarters	Celebesstraat 80, Amsterdam[1]
Region	Netherlands
Services	V-Label certification
Methods	Events, consumer education, publications, partnership with manufacturers, certification
Membership	c. 4000 (2024)
Director	Floris de Graad[2]
Website	vegetariers.nl

History

The Rotterdam doctor Aart Verschoor adopted vegetarianism after meeting his British colleague, Dr. Thomas Allinson. Allinson, who believed that white bread contributed to illness in workers, recommended wholemeal bread and advocated for a vegetarian lifestyle. After advising Verschoor to switch to a vegetarian diet, Verschoor's health improved significantly, leading him to embrace the diet permanently.^[2]

Aart Verschoor’s commitment to vegetarianism led him to take further action by founding the Dutch Vegetarian Society (Nederlandsche Vegetariërsbond, NVB) in 1894. Verschoor, who distributed a pamphlet, Een Bond voor Vegetariërs! ("A Society for Vegetarians!"), proposing the creation of a national vegetarian organization. In response, 34 individuals and 13 associations expressed support, and an inaugural meeting took place in The Hague on 30 September 1894. Despite early challenges in forming a leadership committee, a group of five men and three women assumed responsibility. Early efforts to establish the society were hindered by reluctance from medical professionals, but by October 1895, the membership had grown to 48 members and 42 associates. Verschoor continued as president, while Dr. C. van der Hucht was appointed vice-president.^[4]

The NVB's early activities focused on translating vegetarian literature into Dutch, such as Anna Kingsford's The Perfect Way in Diet, with a foreword by Dr. Frederik van Eeden, and publishing a vegetarian cookbook. Public lectures, newspaper articles, and encouragement for food establishments to serve vegetarian meals were also part of the Society's outreach. Plans for a vegetarian restaurant were discussed but delayed due to financial constraints. By 1897, the Society had 64 members and 48 associates, and that year it began publishing its own periodical, the Vegetarische Bode ("Vegetarian Messenger"), edited by Daniël de Clercq, Felix Ortt, and C. van der Hucht. Although initially affiliated with the Vegetarian Federal Union, the Society withdrew in 1897 due to concerns over political material in its publications but rejoined in 1898 after assurances that the Union would remain non-political. By 1899, membership had grown to 264.^[4]

The NVB engaged with the international vegetarian movement from its early years. At the founding congress of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) in 1908, Dr. A. Meyroos represented the Society and served on its initial committee, highlighting educational initiatives promoting vegetarianism in Dutch schools. In 1913, the Society hosted the IVU World Vegetarian Congress in The Hague, and prominent members like Professor Hugo Nolthenius, who served as both President of the NVB and Treasurer of the IVU during the 1920s, represented the organization in international forums.^[4]

Membership grew until the First World War, after which interest declined due to war and economic hardship. During the Second World War, membership peaked again because food coupon systems allowed vegetarians to exchange meat coupons for scarce vegetable alternatives. In the 1970s, the rise of the reform movement sparked renewed interest, while in the 1980s, opposition to factory farming drove further growth. Since the early 21st century, concerns about climate change have become a leading motive for adopting vegetarianism.^[5]

Today, the NVB promotes vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, administers the V-Label certification, and aims to halve Dutch meat consumption by 2040 (compared to 2007 levels). Their work includes consumer education, collaboration with manufacturers, and expanding access to vegetarian products in supermarkets.^[5] As of 2024, the organization has nearly 4,000 members, reaching the membership levels seen before the First World War.^[2]

Notes

1. Also translated as the Dutch Vegetarian Association^[3]