Our food system is on a collision course by eroding the very foundation that all agriculture is built on. Agricultural biodiversity is essential for a resilient food system by enabling adaption to changing environmental and socio-economic conditions. But agricultural biodiversity is decreasing, and at an alarming rate. What can we do to change direction and why should you get on board?

Interactive debate

The World Food Cafe provides an opportunity for informal exchange between an international group of farmers, practitioners and researchers who are taking action for biodiversity based food systems and the Dutch food and agriculture sector. The debate will be facilitated by Raphaël Hoogvliets of the Youth Food Movement. Three panelists will provide their perspectives and pose provocative statements on why change is needed, what we should move towards and how we can get there.

Elizabeth Katushabe is a Bahima pastoralist from Uganda and keeper and breeder of the indigenous Ankole Longhorn cattle. She experienced first-hand how the introduction of Friesian cattle for higher milk production changed the local food system. John Grin is a professor of system innovation and transition at the University of Amsterdam with a special interest in the historical context and dynamics of transitions in food systems. The third speaker will provide a private sector perspective on what kind of food system makes business sense and the role that companies could play.

In small groups, the audience will get to know each other, discuss the statements and exchange views, followed by a facilitated debate with the panelists. And what would a cafe be without food, drinks and music?

16:30 > arrival
17:00 > light dinner
18:00 > programme
20:00 > live music

How to participate

Join us at this World Food Cafe to share food and stories across disciplines and boarders, connect and broaden your perspectives! To maintain the interactive and informal character of this event, participation is by invitation only.

Please register by sending an email to Sanne Wiltink at sanne@youthfoodmovement.nl. Let us know if you plan to travel to the Zonnehoeve by car or public transport. We will provide a shuttle service to train station Amersfoort.

Organized by the Youth Food Movement, the Agricultural Biodiversity Community and the Hivos-OxfamNovib joint knowledge programme on agricultural biodiversity.