Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Food System

On March 13, 2025, REWIRE met at NewForesight to discuss the acceleration of transitions in the agro-food sector, focusing on the protein transition. This meeting brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from NewForesight, Greenport West-Holland, and the Advisory Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (AWTI). The goal was to explore how to expedite the shift towards a more sustainable and healthy food system.

The protein transition involves shifting from a predominantly animal-based protein consumption to a more plant-based diet. This transition is crucial for achieving a healthier and more sustainable food system. The target is to move from a 60/40 ratio of animal to plant-based proteins to a 40/60 ratio by 2030, with an intermediate goal of 50/50 by 2025.

NewForesight, a consultancy firm specializing in sustainable transitions, presented their TransMissie model. This model outlines the phases of market transformation and the key processes necessary for a successful transition. The phases include Inertia, Inception, Competition, Synergy & Integration, and Institutionalization. Each phase requires specific interventions and strategies to foster innovation, collaboration, and institutionalization of sustainable practices.

Three different cases got the participants acquainted with real-life cases/work that New Foresight does with the model regarding accelerating these transitions.

Else Boutkan from Greenport West-Holland discussed the region’s role as a leading hub for sustainable agriculture and innovation. Greenport West-Holland is a significant player in the horticultural sector, focusing on creating a sustainable and vital future for the regional horticultural cluster. The region’s approach involves integrating economic success with positive societal and ecological impacts, emphasizing transitions and complexity management.

The AWTI emphasized the need for a transformation-oriented policy mix to accelerate transitions. They highlighted the importance of setting a clear vision based on sharp choices, using smart demand articulation, and leveraging the innovative power of society. The policy mix should stimulate the development of new innovation paths while phasing out entrenched and unhelpful paths.

The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, knowledge institutions, businesses, financial institutions, and NGOs. Each stakeholder has a unique role in driving the transition forward. For instance, governments can provide subsidies and create space for experimentation, businesses can innovate and share knowledge, and NGOs can organize movements and advocate for transparency.