Food
Stimulating food policy
Food is increasingly on the political and administrative agenda. Not only at national level, but also at provincial and municipal level, there is a growing urgency to develop active policies for a more sustainable, healthier and fairer food system. At the same time, designing effective policy is complex in practice. It affects many different stakeholders and requires cooperation between different policy areas such as public health, sustainability, the economy and spatial planning.
What we do
We support governments in developing and implementing stimulating food policies during the various phases of the policy cycle. We help policymakers formulate ambitions, set clear goals and choose interventions that are appropriate to the local or regional context. In doing so, we ensure that policies not only sound good, but also work well. We identify opportunities, connect policy areas and, if desired, ensure that a concrete implementation agenda is put in place.
What characterises us as Schuttelaar
We combine in-depth knowledge of the food system with experience in policy and process guidance. Thanks to our many years of involvement with various government bodies, we are familiar with both the playing field and the dynamics within various civil service organisations
We believe in collaboration. Government bodies themselves know best what is going on locally. That is why we always work cooperatively and tailor our approach to each individual case. Together, we create policies that are supported both within and outside the organisation
Depending on the situation, a policy process may include the following components:
- Policy inventory
We often start with an analysis of existing policy: what is already in place, where are the gaps, where are the opportunities for linking policies? - Outside-in: administrative and civil service discussions
Through work sessions or interviews, we identify the goals and priorities within the organisation and how they are related. - Inside-out: stakeholder needs and social signals
We investigate the needs of external partners and residents through co-creation, interviews or dialogue sessions. This helps to create support and increase impact. - Communication and activation
Good policy requires good communication. From a policy report to a visual infographic, online magazine or short video: we help to visualise and communicate policy so that it comes to life both within and outside the organisation.
Our impact
Projects that have gone through the four steps above include the reassessment of the The Hague food strategy and that of the municipality of Ede. We helped the municipalities by identifying priorities and visualising them. For the Zeeland Economic Board Food Cluster, we created ‘The Flavours of Zeeland’ to work with entrepreneurs and administrators to achieve greater focus and implementation power for innovation in agriculture and food in Zeeland.
Make impact together?
Tessel Kans
Strategic Consultant
