I coordinate the transition to regenerative agriculture from a food system perspective within ReGeNL. Shifting to regenerative agriculture requires shifting to a regenerative food system: how we plan, process, buy, market, and eat will change. This requires a shift throughout supply chains. Farmers cannot change to a regenerative production system without a conducive ecosystem. My role is to support our partners to develop financial instruments and supply chain models that fit regenerative agriculture, and to match farmers to the support required to make that transition.
What do you find most enjoyable or inspiring about your work?
For me, regenerative agriculture couples the incredible functioning and complexity of nature to our food system. Doing so means that as a society we need to reach a better understanding and appreciation of natural ecosystems, while retaining the progress we've made on food safety, availability and efficiency. Being part of a program, and such a large group of people, that understands the potential of this system and is daily working on furthering it is super inspiring to me.
What impact do you want to make with your work at NFC? How do you contribute to its success?
I really think regenerative agriculture is the answer to the biggest questions surrounding Dutch agriculture today, and I want to make it as easy as possible for farmers. While I was in Tanzania setting up a regenerative farming operation, I learned firsthand how important it is to have your buyers’ commitment. Engaging key system players to commit to farmers and at the same time creating the circumstances they themselves need, is how I hope to contribute.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside work?
I've been renovating an old farm near the Veluwezoom with my partner for a while now (and expect it will be a while more), hoping to eventually move out of the trailer we live in with our 1,5-year-old son and two unruly dogs. And in line with my work, I love food.
What's a fun fact about yourself that readers probably don't already know about you?
I love to read while everyone else in my family sleeps, and work in the garden while they're awake.