Food security in the province of South Holland
Food security has long been taken for granted in the Netherlands. However, the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine have painfully highlighted how vulnerable our food system can be. Empty shelves and rising food prices have put food security back on the agenda. How can we ensure that South Holland continues to have access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food in the future? The province of South Holland recognises the urgency of this question and has asked &flux and DRIFT to assist it in exploring its role and scope for action within this theme.
Why?
The province of South Holland recognises the importance of food security as part of its broader transition tasks. But what exactly do we mean by food security? It is not just about having enough food, but also about food that is healthy, affordable, sustainable and produced fairly. Moreover, we must not only look at the current situation, but also at the long term. How do we ensure that future generations have access to sufficient and healthy food, without compromising the environment, biodiversity or social justice?
The assignment revolves around developing a perspective for action: a practical and strategic plan that helps the province determine its role within the food system. In doing so, we are investigating how South Holland can contribute to a resilient and sustainable system, together with its network partners.
Our approach
We approach food security as a systemic issue. Our food system does not exist in isolation. It is connected to other societal challenges, such as climate adaptation, energy transition, housing, nature restoration and the circular economy. That is why we are committed to an integrated approach, bringing together different perspectives:
Analysis of the current system
We are mapping out the current situation. Which players and sectors are involved? Where are the vulnerabilities? And what are the space claims on the South Holland landscape? The agricultural sector often provides space for housing and infrastructure, but how much space does the sector itself need to guarantee food security?
Networksessions
Together with DRIFT, we organised three network meetings. These brought together parties from across the entire food chain, from farmers to policymakers. Together, we explored the question: what role can and does the province want to play in strengthening food security?
Results
The most important outcome of this project is a shared perspective for action. This not only gives the province insight into its own role, but also provides tools for working together with network partners. This project creates awareness and involvement by actively engaging the network. We provide insight into how much space the agricultural sector needs for sustainable production and develop strategic scenarios that help the province create future-proof policy. Together with network partners, we translate this into concrete actions for a stronger food system.
About &flux
The most important outcome of this project is a shared perspective for action. This not only gives the province insight into its own role, but also provides tools for working together with network partners. This project creates awareness and involvement by actively engaging the network. We provide insight into how much space the agricultural sector needs for sustainable production and develop strategic scenarios that help the province create future-proof policy. Together with network partners, we translate this into concrete actions for a stronger food system.
