Dutch approach to global food security works

We want to work together with the new government to make a difference in improving global food security. Joep Rats – director of the Dutch Dairy Organisation – signed the call from 70 parties ‘Dutch approach to global food security works’.

A broad coalition of Dutch companies, knowledge institutes and social organisations wants to work together with the new government to make a real difference in improving global food security. Supporting farmers and consumers in the Netherlands and abroad and the commitment to climate-resilient food systems in low- and middle-income countries are most important. The coalition believes that the Netherlands must demonstrate ambitious commitment to making our food system more sustainable in the coming years, based on its knowledge, expertise, experience, international cooperation and trade position. This is essential in order to contribute to achieving the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This coalition is pleased that the new intended Dutch cabinet agrees that the Netherlands contributes to food security and water management in other countries (Main Lines Agreement page 23) and therefore offers their help and support to the next cabinet to continue to work together on a resilient food system that contributes positively to the climate challenges and increasing global food security. This has been elaborated in three concrete points:
1. Offer stability and continuity through increased ambition for international cooperation with sufficient financial resources
2. Link the Climate Agenda to the Food System Approach with context-specific efforts and investments
3. Bring the above points together in a long-term, government-wide International Food and Nutrition Security Strategy and involve the coalition in shaping and giving content to this policy.

This is essential because:
● 74% of the varied Dutch menu comes from abroad
● Dutch technology is involved in 80% of global horticultural projects
● Dutch knowledge institutes, with Wageningen University & Research at the forefront, are world leaders in the field of research into Food and Nutrition Security
● 0.5% of national income is spent on ‘development cooperation’. (while Dutch people think this is 3.6%)
● 4.3% of total climate financing goes to agro-food systems while on average it causes 29% of greenhouse gas emissions
● The Netherlands has signed a commitment with 133 other countries to integrate food and agriculture into their climate plans by 2025. This concerns 70% of the land on earth.
● 10.6 million small-scale farmers are reached with activities aimed at increasing productivity and income

The signatories include a broad representation of both the agricultural and food sector and the climate and nature sector. Read the full plan in which the three points are elaborated in concrete terms with the names of all signatories.

• Nederlandse aanpak wereldwijde voedselzekerheid werkt!