Start of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Transition at Campus Fryslân (UG)

Campus Fryslân (RUG) starts a Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Transition. Led by Gjalt de Jong (Professor of Sustainable Business in a Circular Economy), the new Centre aims to make the sustainable agriculture transition successful and accelerate its progress.

The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Transition believes that the Netherlands, as a prosperous country with a historical role in the agricultural sector, is facing significant ecological and climatic challenges. The Centre advocates for multi-sectoral solutions addressing social inequalities, as small changes within the current system are deemed insufficient. There is an urgent need for a new agricultural system that reduces societal costs and addresses ecological challenges.

The Centre translates innovative research into practical solutions, enabling farmers to embrace sustainable agricultural methods. They provide personal guidance, offer practical training, and encourage the confidence to adopt sustainable farming practices.

The Growth Fund proposal Re-Ge-NL
The Growth Fund proposal Re-Ge-NL will be integrated into the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Transition. The Re-Ge-NL proposal was developed by Next Food Collective, Wageningen University & Research, University of Groningen, and Utrecht University in collaboration with 54 partners from the entire food system. Farmer cooperatives and networks, chain parties, financial institutions, knowledge and technology suppliers, and education and research institutions will collectively commence implementation in 2024. With the allocated funds, Re-Ge-NL, together with Dutch farmers, will work towards developing a future-proof agricultural sector. By emphasizing regenerative farming practices that combine food production with soil improvement and nature restoration, the project will not only contribute to preserving our natural resources but also provide economic opportunities for farmers throughout the agri-food complex.

Director Gjalt de Jong states: 'Current agriculture is reaching its limits. With this subsidy, we can shape regenerative agriculture in Northern Netherlands. We can now address challenges such as financing, new knowledge, and skills. We do this collaboratively, for the farmers, the chain parties, but especially for our northern region.'

See also:

• More news about the Re-Ge-NL programme

• A summary of the Re-Ge-NL programme