As an independent, objective non-profit organisation, Foodvalley is the bridge between ideas and ambitions for the future and the reality of practice. From idea to implementation, we bring all the necessary players together and ensure that we now collectively move towards a more sustainable and fairer food system.
Food is so much more than just nourishment. It’s at the heart of our lives—a source of joy, connection, and culture. It brings us together around tables, across borders, and through generations. However, the way we produce and consume food today is placing unbearable strain on our planet, our health, and our communities. If we don’t act now, the consequences for the future will be devastating.
We face an extraordinary challenge: to change the way we feed the world so that future generations can thrive on a planet that respects people, animals, and the environment. A world where food isn’t just abundant, but sustainable, fair, and accessible to everyone. But this challenge is bigger than any one of us. Real change doesn’t happen on its own; it requires courage, innovation, and collaboration.
It’s about people—people who dare to believe in a better way, who work tirelessly to turn vision into reality, and who know that together we are stronger. At Foodvalley, we believe in the power of working together. Alongside our partners, we are committed to reshaping the future of food. We know it won’t be easy, but we also know it’s possible. Together, we can create a food system that not only feeds the world but nurtures it.
This is our moment to make a difference—for our children, their children, and every generation to come. Let’s take action, let’s innovate, and let’s build a future we can all be proud of.
– Harold Zoet, Province of Gelderland representative on behalf of the BBB party and Foodvalley board member
Our roots are in Wageningen, the beating heart of agrifood innovation. But our impact reaches worldwide. The small changes that startups and SMEs make can eventually, years later, lead to adoption by larger companies. We see the impact that organisations are already making. We guide and encourage these collaborative ventures not as a short-term ‘fix’ but through a hands-on, multi-year programmatic approach, based on scientific theories. That is where our strength and expertise lie.
We are the driving force behind a sustainable and fair food system, working mostly behind the scenes and making it easier for different organisations to collaborate. And even though we focus on different topics, all collaborations have the same key elements in common: boundless commitment, extensive experience, genuine personal contact and, last but not least, fun!
With 33% of greenhouse emissions coming from agriculture and livestock1, the way we produce food today depletes the Earth and threatens biodiversity. By making agriculture and food production more sustainable, we protect nature and thereby produce cleaner air, fertile soils, and an environment where humans and animals can live together in harmony.
(1) Source: IPCC
Unhealthy eating patterns, such as excessive consumption of sugar, salt and saturated fat, lead to diseases like obesity and diabetes. About 60% of the population in industrialised countries suffers from obesity2. Less processed food and more plant-based options safeguard not only our own health but also a better world for future generations.
(2) Source: World Health Organization
Every year, about 30% of all our food is wasted globally3. At the same time, there is also (too) much hunger in the world. If we can be smarter about food and food production and recycling waste, we can reduce waste and make the best use of what our Earth provides.
(3) Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
The current agreements between farmers, food producers and buyers result in a compensation imbalance. By working together to create a system where farmers and producers are compensated fairly for their work, we ensure that everyone has access to good and healthy food, both now and in the future.