The Dutch Harvest: Sustaining Futures?

On the 29th of November 2024, the Netherlands International Cooperation Collection Foundation,
the foodFIRST program, and the Institute of Social Studies organized an event to celebrate 75 years of
Dutch International Cooperation in support of agricultural development and food security. The event
focused on networking between actors involved in promoting agricultural development and food
security, the lessons learned, and future perspectives in the current geopolitical context.

Objectives

• Celebrate 75 years of Dutch contributions to global food security and sustainable agriculture
• Launch of the historical timeline highlighting key tipping points in Dutch policy and practice
• Debate the future of the Netherlands in International Cooperation for food security and agriculture
• Engage experts in panel discussions and storytelling sessions

Key takeaways

Build on 75 years of Dutch experience in promoting agricultural development in the Netherlands and abroad: The Netherlands has a wealth of knowledge and expertise.. assets that will enable us to continue to promote agricultural development and food security through knowledge sharing, institution building, targeted support, and fair trade. Multiple channels and instruments exist beyond conventional development cooperation

The Dutch Diamond Approach could serve as a model in other countries and globally: The Dutch Diamond approach (collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and knowledge institutions) contributes towards inclusive, innovative, and responsible investments to promote food security. This model could be replicated in other countries and at the global level.

Building equal partnerships with actors in the Global South: There is a need to establish equal
partnerships with the Global South, moving towards a model where the agenda is owned and driven by solidarity and by shared ambitions rather than imposed externally. This shift is essential for fostering more balanced and mutually beneficial development.

Acknowledging that the Netherlands has vested interests in promoting inclusive agricultural development and food security: Investments in aid and trade for agricultural development and food security contribute towards the broader goals of promoting inclusive growth and solidifying equal partnerships based on coherence between policy agendas in the Netherlands, multilateral organizations and the partner countries.

Food Security as a focal point in the policy agenda: The Netherlands aims to align its food security efforts with its broader foreign policy agenda, which includes priorities such as reducing migration and promoting trade and security. Mutually beneficial food security initiatives can be positioned within the policy framework to help reduce irregular migration while promoting global stability and commercial interests.

Geopolitical Shifts & Strategic Positioning: The Netherlands needs to navigate geopolitical shifts, aligning its policies with its vested interests while ensuring its approach to food security and global partnerships remains both effective and inclusive thereby contributing towards shared prosperity.