Research informing policy
The insights from the study were shared by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature with the House of Representatives of the Netherlands and referenced in parliamentary letters by Femke Wiersma. The findings help policymakers better understand how market-driven sustainability requirements affect Dutch primary producers and support policy development on goal-oriented regulation and transparency in the food chain.
From system analysis to supply chain insight
To better understand sustainability requirements that go beyond legal regulations in Dutch agriculture, we started with a desk study of the Dutch food system. We mapped the relationships between different market actors and analysed which sustainability requirements are imposed on primary producers and which societal goals they contribute to, such as climate and animal welfare. In doing so, we identified two key forms of above-legal requirements: (top) certification schemes and quality assurance systems. This system analysis provided the foundation for a clearer understanding of how sustainability requirements emerge and are applied throughout the supply chain.
Deepening insights through stakeholder interviews
We then tested and further explored the findings from the desk study through interviews with various market actors across the food supply chain. These conversations focused on the motivations behind setting above-legal sustainability requirements and the practical implications for farmers. We also examined issues such as feasibility, administrative burden and potential rewards for producers. Combining system analysis with supply chain interviews generated valuable insights into the interaction between market initiatives and public policy, as well as the differences between goal-based and prescriptive approaches in the practice of the primary sector.
Read the full report here.
The parliamentary letters can be consulted here:
