The future of our food in Zuid-Holland
How can we work together to ensure a future-proof food system in Zuid-Holland? During the meeting The Future of Our Food on July 1, we discussed this with network partners from the food industry. What projects are needed, how do we manage at the system level, and how do we continue to learn and make adjustments?
Preiminary phase
In the run-up to the network meeting, &flux guided network partners in developing their food project ideas. The idea was to use the identified challenges for the food system to build concrete projects in order to make an impact at the system level! These projects must then be given a place within the province, which is why we looked at how this could be managed during the meeting.
System-level control
We explicitly sought a suitable place for initiatives within the province’s existing programs, projects, and policies. A number of initiatives fit well within this framework, but there are also projects that fall within the scope of the Provincial Food Vision while remaining outside the existing structures and initiatives.
The central question here is: do we consider it important to also steer at the systemic level? And if so, is this done by representatives and administrators, or in some other way? The group’s answer: Yes! Steering at the systemic level is necessary, as long as it does not become another administrative process, but rather continues to we continue to focus on what kind of impact our projects can have on the system and how big that impact can be.
- Province of Zuid-Holland (program projects and health & welfare theme)
- The Garden of Holland (program projects)
- Province of South Holland agricultural policy
- Projects that do not fit into any of these categories other sustainability transitions that have an impact on the agricultural system, such as raw material production for biobased construction.
Monitoring as a dynamic learning process
We also discussed monitoring: how do you keep track of progress without getting bogged down in heavy administrative structures? Traditional KPIs often fall short in complex transitions. That is why we looked at a more dynamic approach, such as a Dynamic Learning Agenda (DLA), which provides space for learning, trust, and ownership while also highlighting blind spots and red flags.
Continuing to build together
The Provincial Food Vision has taken the first steps. The challenge now lies in implementation. The network emphasizes the importance of the province’s role as a catalyst, connector, and facilitator. The network is exploring what a follow-up to the network might look like: for example, a critical think tank or sounding board group to strengthen interventions and stay on course.
This summer, the Province of South Holland will investigate how we can sustainably embed this movement and continue to make an impact together.
10 Juli 2025
By: Joost Swiers
