Our story
The way we produce, process, consume and waste food has implications on food security, public health, the environment, the economy and social equality. Considering the rapidly growing world population pushing the boundaries of our planet and the rise of hunger and malnutrition, our present food systems are not future-proof. More than ever before, cooperation between all stakeholders (government, businesses, civil society, knowledge institutions etc.) will be needed to contribute to an effective transition to truly sustainable food systems.FoodFIRST is a neutral and independent platform that brings together the government, the business sector, civil society and knowledge institutes. By facilitating dialogue and connecting expertise, we aim to inspire our partners to think outside the box and seize opportunities to conceive innovative and scalable solutions focused on achieving SDG1: eradicating poverty in all its forms and SDG 2: end hunger, achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
About FoodFIRST
What makes us unique?
foodFIRST is a neutral and independent platform that:inspires an open exchange of views and out-of-the-box thinking in order to find innovative solutions to challenges in the food chain;
triggers an action-oriented agenda that builds on the strength and expertise of the Dutch stakeholders involved
stimulates cooperation between parties so as to explore (unconventional) solutions and to learn from each other
Our Goals
forge coaliations to contribute to SDGs 1 & 2
triggers an action-oriented agenda that builds on the strength and expertise of the Dutch stakeholders involved
stimulates cooperation between parties so as to explore (unconventional) solutions and to learn from each other
Read here about news and events:
July 2, 2025
As part of a series on the Comprehensive Africa’ss Development Program (CAADP), FoodFIRST, in collaboration with International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), organised a policy dialogue (Vijverbergsessie) on 12 June 2025 in The Hague to discuss how future Dutch food security policy can be better aligned with Africa’s CAADP Agenda 2026–2035. The event, which featured Stephen Muchiri (Eastern Africa Farmers Federation), Khalid Bomba (Development Sovereignty Group), Duncan Williamson (IIED), and Timmo Gaasbeek (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), aimed to build cross-sector alliances beyond traditional government-to-government cooperation by engaging the “Dutch diamond” of government, knowledge institutions, the private sector, and civil society
June 23, 2025
Bedrijven krijgen te maken met steeds meer Europese regels over verantwoord en duurzaam ondernemen. Voorbeelden zijn de CSRD, CSDDD, Ontbossingsverordening, Anti-dwangarbeidverordening en de Uitgebreide Producentenverantwoordelijkheid in EU-regelgeving over circulariteit. Elke wet heeft eigen doelen en regels. Ook worden deze wetten uitgevoerd door verschillende ministeries en toezichthouders. Zelfs Nederlandse bedrijven die niet direct onder deze wetten vallen, krijgen vaker vragen van andere bedrijven in hun keten.
May 23, 2025
foodFIRST and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) will host a dialogue session on Africa's Agriculture Development Program 2026-20235 (CAADP) on June 12, 2025 in The Hague with Stephen Muchiri ((Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)), Khalid Bomba (Development Sovereignty Group (DSG)) Duncan Williamson (IIED) and Timmo Gaasbeek (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken). More information to follow!