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Agri-food Vision: Working Together Toward a True Value Food System
Opinion
The Dutch Agri-food Sector’s Strength in 2040
In 2040, the Dutch agri-food sector will still be one of the world’s most productive and innovative agri-food sectors. It will also make an important contribution to broad prosperity and entrepreneurs will be working in harmony with nature. Entrepreneurs will receive public and private rewards for their sustainable, resilient, and innovative business models.
In brief
In 2040, the Dutch agri-food sector will produce food of high quality in a sustainable way. It will also be a global leader in applying new techniques and technology. This strong position is partly due to a combination of fertile ground, a moderate climate, and a highly-developed ecosystem of agriculturists, chain parties, and knowledge institutions.
Chain Management
In 2040 innovations will quickly find their way to farmers and horticulturists because our agriculturists, policy makers, scientists, and providers of education cooperate well. The Netherlands’ highly developed logistics infrastructure and sound trading position, ensure that finished products, raw materials, technology, and knowledge reach consumers and chain parties across the world. The chain is well-organized, enabling the sector to respond rapidly to changing market demand and develops distinctive health, sustainability, and quality products.
In Harmony with Nature
Farmers and horticulturists will produce food and sustainable products in harmony with nature in 2040. They will operate within ecological limits, make active contributions to achieving climate goals, safeguard attractive landscapes, and engage in nature management and preservation, or even biodiversity growth.
Contribution to Broad Prosperity
The sector will deliver more than just healthy and sustainable food. It will also safeguard social cohesion in the countryside and employment, both in urban and rural areas. In addition to chain parties, our agriculturists, government, knowledge institutions, wholesalers, and logistics companies will also contribute to global food security and to an independent Europe that is less dependent on other countries.
True Value Rewarded
Agriculturists’ revenue model will have expanded by 2040. A decline in livestock and a more extensive cultivation plan will be offset by an increase in income from ancillary activities and from public and private rewards for more sustainable production and services in society. The increase in rewards are a consequence of a more intensive cooperation within and between chains and governments, based on a common True Value language at European level: True Value Language. Meanwhile, consumers and the food industry will also have changed, with health, sustainability, and origin becoming more important alongside price and convenience.
Dominant Business Types in 2040
What does this future vision mean for agriculture entrepreneurs? We envision three dominant business types:
Each agricultural company can choose the route that is the best match for them, but by 2040 all three models will offer perspective, returns, and future viability.