Report F&BKP introductory consultation meeting

On February 27, 2014, the Food & Business Knowledge Platform organized an introductory consultation meeting for organizations active in the field of food and nutrition security.

Please find at the bottom of this article a link to the detailed report of the meeting.

After a general introduction (download PDF) about the Platform by the Director of the Office, Frans Verberne, participants had the opportunity to ask questions. They expressed their interest in the food and business research agenda and grants. They also highlighted the need to involve all stakeholders of ‘the Dutch diamond’ the next time, particularly from the private sector.

After that, the 40 representatives of civil society organizations and knowledge institutes were invited to actively participate in an ‘Open Space’ discussion in order to make an inventory of (clusters of) themes which are in their opinion crucial for the Dutch knowledge agenda.

Subsequently, small groups were set up around the five indicated themes: sustainable production; nutrition security; reinforcement of sustainable markets and business circumstances; inclusive business models; and agro-ecology.  The participants discussed the added value of working together within the Platform around their theme, and how their organization will contribute to it, as well as what they can learn from joint activities within the Platform.

During a short closing plenary, each group enthusiastically presented their conclusions. Various groups came up with interesting and concrete ideas for the cooperation within the Platform. Representatives of the Platform’s Steering Committee and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs respectively shared their positive appreciation for the energetic and valuable discussions.

Download the detailed report of the meeting (PDF).