Transforming Agricultural Systems
Future Food Utrecht researchers are actively challenging the sustainability of current agricultural practices in the Netherlands and beyond. We argue that the urgency to achieve Sustainable Development Goals has led to a problematic focus on agricultural intensification, which has considerable environmental and climate costs. Our approach challenges the bulk production and low prices of the current system and explores alternatives, such as nature-inclusive and agro-ecological farming or community-supported agriculture and permaculture. In addition, we critically assess the societal implications for emerging agricultural technologies, such as CRISPR. We generally call for more stakeholder involvement in agricultural transformation, recognizing the need for all actors to be heard, and to be able to contribute to future systems.
ReGeNL
The National Growth Fund-project ‘Re-Ge-NL’, in collaboration with Dutch farmers, develops a future-proof agricultural sector where agriculture is combined with soil improvement, restoration of soil life, and nature. Additionally, it also provides a good revenu model for farmers. Between now and 2030, Re-Ge-NL will start the transition to regenerative agriculture with a positive business case with a thousand farmers, especially in five focus areas. By taking this crucial first step, Re-Ge-NL becomes a leading example for the sector in the Netherlands, and internationally.
Contact: Jerry van Dijk
COMBINED
Climate change and biodiversity loss are major and urgent societal challenges. COMBINED will investigate how these two issues interact, which measures to counteract negative effects are successful and why, what is needed from asocial and governance point of view to implement these measures. The research is carried out in landscapes with grasslands, forests and urban areas. The aim is to gain new insights and to develop tools that simultaneously contribute to biodiversity recovery and climate change resilience, and which can be implemented in a just way, considering policy goals, values and interests of society.
Contact: Merel Soons & Hens Runhaar
DivGrass
This INTERREG North Sea project looks at innovative biodiversity for climate resilient dairy grasslands in the European North Sea Region. It aims to improve biodiversity and develop practical approaches on how ecosystem services, biodiversity, nature and species protection can be combined and optimised with production services. The projects intends to deliver an application to make results and recommendations easily accessible for farmers.
Contact: Hens Runhaar
UUPlants: Interdisciplinary Plant Research for a Resilient Future
Plants are essential to tackling major challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. UUPlants unites researchers across disciplines at Utrecht University to study the role of plants in both natural and urban environments. From molecular biology to ecosystems, the research focuses on how plants support climate resilience and biodiversity. The goal is to develop science-based tools and strategies that are effective, just, and aligned with societal values.
Contact: Rashmi Sasidharan & Corné Pieterse