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Secularization in a Context of Advanced Modernity
by Liliane Voye As described by Dobbelaere (1981), secularization – considered as a process on the macro-level – is in general still an unquestionable fact in Europe. Functional differentiation is persisting; the organized world is based on impersonal roles and on contractual patterns. The privatization of religion signifies not only that institutional religion loses its capacity to exercise an impact on public affairs but also that religion is considered as a matter of personal choice. This choice is enlarged by the numerous opportunities which have appeared in the “religious market” and, among other things, by the development of New Religious Movements. Such a context stimulates the relativization of religious messages, and their acceptance appears to be more and more oriented to a “this worldly” end, to the immanent level of everyday reality. However, at the same time that unbelief is growing and the numbers of the unchurched are increasing (Jagodzinski and Dobbelaere 1995b; Dobbelaere and Jagodzinski 1995), different facts testify that religion is not absent from the scene. Considering Europe, we can see that many individuals seem to set up some kind of “religious patchwork,” using various existing resources which they compose according to their own needs, views, and experiences (Voye 1995). At different levels, it appears also that the religious reference is used to affirm a territorial identity (Voye 1996) and so to differentiate oneself from others considered as dangerous or inferior or simply as different. We may also see that the autonomy of the different functions – notably, the political and the juridical functions – is not always as radical as it was supposed to be in the first phase of modernity. Taking into account this apparent paradox – the confirmation of the process of secularization and the effective presence of religious references not only at the individual level but also at the macro level – I advance some reflections which – considering the European case and the Catholic church – might suggest that the actual situation is not exactly the same as it was twenty-five years ago, i.e., when Dobbelaere defined secularization as he did. We are no longer in the heart of a triumphant modernity, and this induces different effects in the religious field as in any other field. To develop this point of view, I will discuss some aspects of what I will call “advanced modernity” – considered more as a factual situation than as a theory and I will try to show how these aspects modify the position of the religious field, without invalidating the effects of secularization. In contrast to what is often suggested, there is no retour, no return to a pre-modern situation. I suggest, rather, that institutional religion may no longer presume to impose its views, its doctrine, its morals, its rules, either in public affairs or on individuals who claim their autonomy. To be listened to, religious spokespersons have to modify their discourse and its presentation. The religious actor has also to re-legitimize some religious dimensions, which, during modernity, were eliminated or at least reduced in order to rationalize religion. To survive or to have a chance still to play a role in society, the religious actor will offer himself as a resource for other systems, i.e., to develop its “performances” (Luhmann 1990) – by showing its capacity to solve problems generated in other fields but not solved there. And we shall see that the political field in particular, at various levels, not only accepts this but sometimes requires it directly. In this perspective, I review several points that I consider a consequence of a context of advanced modernity, without pretending to be exhaustive. A first characteristic is the relative scepticism toward science, because of its “perverse effects,” its incapacity to solve every problem (contrary to what was hoped for during modernity), and its long-term character. This induces two possibilities for religious performances: one on the level of the political field, which is supposed to regulate science and its applications, and one on the individual level. Then, I will take into account the disrepute into which the state has fallen and the correlative growing importance of Europe, on the one side, and of “regions,” “nations,” and different particular identifications on the other. For these last two levels, the Catholic church is foremost in offering its resources. I will then consider the actual trend which tends to evolve from laws considered as general and substantial to laws which take into account particular and situational aspects – among others, those of religious diversity. At the same time, the state, being in search of allies, tends to reaffirm its ancient collusion with the main Christian religions. The full article is available: click here
Report: the future of the European Knowledge Society
by Menno Scheers, Club of Amsterdam The Club of Amsterdam organised a conference about ‘the future of the European Knowledge Society’ on January 28, 2004. This report will give you a brief summary of the topics and the discussion between the panel and the participants of the Club of Amsterdam. The participants of the event filled out a questionnaire; you can find the results in the report. Wanda van Kerkvoorden (CEO, SOLV New Business Advocaten) was the host of this evening. Five speakers gave an introduction to stimulate the discussion. Wendy L. Schultz (Futurist, Oxford, UK) said that futurists support people to explore the future in order to make decisions. In case of the European Knowledge Society they would research what the design questions are for a knowledge society: What is it, who are involved in designing, what are the guiding values and what are the goals and the assumptions? It’s difficult to say what kind of people will live in the knowledge society. At this moment we live for example in a print society with books. Digital media will change communication. Our concept of the knowledge society is print based. Hypertext and hypermedia will stimulate other ways of thinking. This will result in achieving non linear thinking. In 2048 the last linear thinker dies. We are raised to think from A to B to C. Children will be raised in thinking from A to multiple points. The cultural change will take a whole generation. The next generation needs to be involved in designing the knowledge society. According to Paul Iske (Chief Knowledge Officer, ABN Amro Bank, Corporate Finance) we should try to make people more smart and organisations more intelligent. Most companies state that they don’t have problems with fully using the intellectual capital of their employees. Research in those organisations often tells the opposite. 66% of the participants said that their organisation / company is exploring the possibilities of knowledge management. 29% had the feeling that the knowledge they currently have is fully utilised in their current position. All participants at the conference thought that companies and organisations should develop better possibilities for life long learning. Knowledge is a reusable and surpassable experience according to René Gude (Managing Director, The International School for Philosophy). Even monkeys have a presentation of past, present and future. Humans have speech. The knowledge society started when apes started to walk and talk and became humans. Europe should create strong cities. People should be aware that they live in a globalised world. We should think like Athens (wealth of knowledge on a small geographical scale) and act like Romans (wealth of bureaucratic organisation and exploitation on a large geographical scale). Frans Nauta (CEO, Stichting Nederland Kennisland, Secretary, Dutch Innovation Platform) said that The Netherlands is not doing very well in developing the knowledge economy. The Netherlands didn’t develop new multinational companies in the new economy like Finland and Ireland. The Netherlands should focus on several sectors and try to become leading in those sectors. 81% of the visitors thought that knowledge based innovation would be one of the main priorities of their organisation / company in the future. 76% thought that the Dutch and European government should make a bigger effort to stimulate knowledge development. All people should profit from the knowledge society according to Thomas Thijssen (Chief Learning Officer, Club of Amsterdam). A lot of attention is given to the knowledge economy and its knowledge workers. But will non workers profit from the knowledge society as well? Will for example more babies survive? We need to share the work that needs to be done applying all our talents. We have to develop a full engagement society. 66% thought that the shift to a knowledge society would really change their lives.
Breaking the boundaries between academic degrees and lifelong learning
by Thomas J.P. Thijssen, Fons T.J. Vernooij Designing demand driven lifelong learning processes for employees Keywords: educational design, didactics, lifelong learning, innovation, collaborative technologies, assessment tools, personal development, demand driven Many educational institutes and their staff, struggle with the issue of capturing the market of lifelong learning, whilst continuing to offer traditional courses. Whereas traditional courses are more or less fixed in curricula and cover certain topics in a planned period of time, lifelong learning requires agreements between teachers and students on specific topics related to competencies acquired before. Students with working experiences are mostly skilled in self-regulated learning processes. Education has to benefit from that. Yet many post-academic courses are built around the same educational processes as the regular academic courses for those between the ages of 17 and 25. Those courses are supply driven and not demand driven and they are separated from the working context. They offer more general modules, which by definition are not relevant for the individual student. Moreover, the costs of these traditional forms of education are high, both in time and money. This paper explores the design problems and generates the outline of a transformation framework to build lifelong learning processes in a demand driven way. The framework includes relevant components for students to regulate their own learning processes and ensure they are integrated in their work processes. The student, the coach and the assessor can continuously monitor the desired learning outcomes, by using assessment tools. Tools for mass-customisation and automation (collaborative technologies) make it possible to support large numbers of students in their learning processes. This will be demonstrated by experiences from the Netherlands at the Johan Cruijff University, the Centre for Post initial Education (CPE) and the Network University, all three vested in Amsterdam. 1. Introduction There are two main reasons for people who finished their regular education to continue learning when they have found a job. One is that they want to improve their competencies, understood as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitude (Parry, 1996; Stoof and others, 2001). They want as well to prepare themselves for a career. The second reason is that working situations are changing fast. New developments in information and communication technology create changes in the working situation. In order to keep up with these changes further education is required. This may either be conceived as an improvement in acquired competencies or as an extension of certificates acquired. In both situations the question arises whether this additional learning should be supply driven or demand driven. Supply driven learning can be understood as learning situations where the supplier develops a course or seminar, based on its own market research, resulting in an offer to customers. As far as universities and business schools are concerned they have material available from their bachelor, master or Ph-D program. For some employees this might just be what they are looking for, but for many these courses are too abstract and too little applicable in their own working situation. They have other learning goals, related to the job they have or the position they want to acquire. For them another approach would be more suitable: demand driven learning. In this approach the learning goals of the learner, or maybe a group of learners are the starting point for the design of a course. The learner himself is in control of the learning process. There are many concepts used to describe the learning demands of people who finished their initial education. One is life long learning. The national research network for new approaches to lifelong learning describes working definitions for formal schooling, further education and informal learning (Livingstone, 1998). In this paper we will use the definition of lifelong learning in the sense of further education. In addition to that we limit ourselves to work related lifelong learning, excluding such fine courses as for instance violin studies and sailing. One important distinction is that we will explore lifelong learning as a demand driven learning activity of further education whereby the learner is in control. When this concept is used in this contribution, it is restricted to situations where an employee is working on his employability. Therefore, an employer is involved in most of these cases. Employer and employee have both common interests and personal interests in describing the specific learning outcomes and in creating a learning situation. They each have their own value chain with input of effort, time and money and output in terms of competencies for the employee that can contribute to the productivity of the company. We will use the concept of the value chain (Porter, 1985) to describe the processes of creating value through learning/teaching activities. Once the learning goals are stated a supplier is looked for or the employer might develop a course by his own personnel department. If a university or business school is approached to make an offer, then a third value chain becomes involved, that is the value chain of the institute (Thijssen, Maes, & Vernooij, 2001). As a well-organized institute it will try to reduce its costs and look for existing material as the basis for an offer. That is where demand driven learning can collide with supply driven learning. In this contribution we will explore the value chains of the learners, the companies and the educational institutions. We introduce as well the home front as a separate role, that is the relatives and friends of the learner, that are influenced in their social lives, because of the time the learner invests in his learning. The three value chains and the role of the home front are explored in order to find the research questions today that are required to find the answers tomorrow. It reports on the journey towards designing demand driven education that forces educators to rethink their role in learning processes and break through the boundaries of formal schooling. The aim is to present a fresh way of looking at design problems and inspiring educators by sharing experiences. First we will describe the various value chains and make an inventory on conflicting interests and problems. We formulate design goals at the end of this section. In section 2 we will introduce a framework for designing demand driven life long learning for employees. In section 3 we will share some insights on experiments with new educational design and in section 4 we list the learning points from these experiments for educational institutions. We conclude with recommendations for further exploratory research. We will first describe the characteristics of the value chain of the Learner and explore the role of the home front. Secondly we will embark on describing the value chain of the company. By comparing these value chains we can identify conflicts of interest and specific problems. Then we will describe the value chain of the traditional educational institute en we will explore how this value chain fits the needs of the two other value chains. Based on this analysis we can formulate our design goals. You can download the full article as a *.doc file: click here
Knowledge creation and management
by Philippa Cordingley, CUREE Knowledge creation and management – building an enquiry and research strategy for a networked learning initiative Background In 2003 the English National College for School Leadership established a research and development initiative to promote “Networked Learning Communities” (NLCs). The programme invited volunteer networks of schools with either Higher Education or Local Education Authority partners to prepare proposals for supporting networked learning for pupils, adults, school leaders and groups of schools over a three year period. Successful bidders were to be offered £50,000 per year and the opportunity to work with other similar networks. Forty networks started in September 2002 and a further 40 started in January 2003 involving some 1000 schools in total. The initiative was supported by the Networked Learning Group (NLG) at the National College, comprising approximately 50 professional and administrative support staff including a group of facilitators whose role was to support networks. During the Autumn term 2002 a small group of facilitator-researchers worked with the author, an external consultant, to start to develop the oriented research strategy for the programme highlighted in the symposium submission. This included preliminary work on defining what such a strategy might mean and the nature of its relationship with professional learning, practitioner enquiry and more traditional research. This paper explores the process or developing an appropriate research strategy within an initiative oriented towards knowledge production. It does so through an examination of early strategic decisions relating to programme values, empirical and theoretical approaches to research utilisation, drawing in particular on the work of Huberman (1993) and concludes with case study examples of early research related work. In doing so the paper enters contested territory in full acknowledgement that the efforts of the programme make pragmatic compromises; the reflections here are offered tentatively to the world of academic critique for debate, refinement and exploration, not as simple solutions. There are three core features of the Networked Learning Communities Programme that set the context and framework for developing its research strategy: • its comprehensive attempt to embrace the complexity of networked reform in education communities;• its emphasis upon enquiry oriented learning; and• its claims to contribute to knowledge creation for and on behalf of others. The NLC programme is positioned on the boundary between schools and teachers and university-based research. Some, but by no means all NLCs have strong links with universities and have specific research aims. An early question for the initiative, which will ultimately shape the direction of the Programme’s research strategy, is how far can or should knowledge creation be defined in traditional research terms and what is the connection to be made between programme approaches and those of academe? The scale of the programme, its 3 year timescale and its capacity to link policy making, practice and research all have the potential to complement established approaches to research but not necessarily to duplicate them. You can download the full paper as a *.pdf file: click here
An organic market to conquer
by Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality The Hague, September 2000 Policy Document on Organic Agriculture, 2001-2004 Contents Introduction The ambition Difficulties Spearheads of policy Financial resources Annex: Status of organic agriculture in the Netherlands Introduction The policy document on Food Production and Rural Areas (Voedsel en Groen) focuses on the change in thinking about the agricultural sector. It is not concerned solely with primary agriculture, but with the whole chain from primary sector to consumer. This agrifood complex is characterised by socially responsible business practice, a high level of knowledge and innovative strength and is thus a world market leader. A demand-centred approach is essential since the agrifood complex is driven by the wishes of citizens and consumers.The demand-centred approach is the key to this first follow-up to the policy document on Food Production and the Rural Areas. Like other parts of the agrifood complex, the organic chain faces the challenge of developing over the coming decade into a sustainable sector as an integral part of society competing independently in international markets, and setting the standard in Europe.Opting for a demand-centred approach has consequences for the role of the parties involved. This Policy Document on organic agriculture, Een biologische markt te winnen, fleshes out the role of central government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in particular, in assisting the organic chain from 2001 to 2004 inclusive. The organic sector has an excellent record of socially responsible business practice: in all links of the chain, organic production very largely meets our social requirements in terms of environment, animal welfare and biodiversity, and plays a pioneering role for the entire agrifood complex. There is growing demand for organic produce. While total food sales in the European Union are stagnating, sales of organic products are rising. Consumers are motivated not only by social conscience, but also by the healthy and reliable image of organic products. The certification of products and the method of production with the EKO quality mark contribute to this image. Organic production appeals to the standards and values of both consumers and producers: pride in a product created with respect for our natural environment. In its further development the organic sector can count on the support of two significant pillars of the Dutch agrifood complex: namely the great extent of available knowledge and the agricultural trade. Available knowledge can be used and disseminated or new knowledge can be developed in the short term. Organic agriculture requires a different system of production and thus continually fuels innovation, which can also be very important for mainstream agriculture. Partly because of the far-reaching involvement of supermarket chains, this is an international market. The Netherlands already enjoys a strong position in the international market, and further reinforcement of trade will be essential in taking advantage of the international potential of Dutch organic production.However the organic chain also has some weaknesses. Despite the efforts of the chain, supported by government initiatives, Dutch organic agriculture occupies a fairly modest position in Europe. In 1999, for example, only slightly over 1% of the total agricultural land area in the Netherlands was used for organic production (Central Bureau of Statistics, CBS). Area of organic agriculture(hectares) in 1998 Percentage of totalagricultural land in 1998 Average growthper year (%), 1993-1998 Belgium 6,800 0.5 12.3 Denmark 90,000 3.3 28.2 Germany 374,000 2.2 10.7 Finland 119,000 5.5 25.6 France 230,00 0.4 13.9 Greece 7,200 0.1 78.3 Great Britain 188,000 1.0 18.1 Italy 610,000 4.1 46.6 The Netherlands 19,000 1.0 16.1 Norway 15,581 1.5 32.8 Austria 350,000 10.1 15.5 Portugal 17,000 0.4 33.6 Spain 140,000 0.6 36.1 Sweden 110,000 3.2 12.9 Source: Institute of Environmental Studies, Amsterdam University The organic sector is moving from a pioneering phase into an expansion phase. The major trigger of growth, market demand, is already in place. However, growth is currently proceeding in fits and starts. The chain is not yet performing well enough in terms of scale and strength: scale great enough to generate sufficient demand, and strength to continue to meet the high expectations of the consumers. Furthermore, the chain seems hesitant: holding back instead of seeking the initiative, at a time when market prospects are better than ever. Significant market players are showing a readiness to invest in organic production. One example is the supermarket trade association, the Centraal Bureau Levensmiddelenhandel (CBL) [Dutch Association of Food Trade Organisations], that recently announced that organic products would receive preferential treatment and special promotion in the supermarkets. Responsibility for investment in the future lies with the organic chain itself. However, the combination of market prospects on the one hand and the pioneering role of organics in the area of social responsibility and innovative enterprise on the other justify a policy of incentives to give a boost to the organic sector. We have opted more emphatically than in the past four years for a demand-centred approach: for business the market must be the guiding factor, the different parts of the chain must capitalise on the market potential for organic products. The prospects are good: there is an organic market waiting to be conquered. 2. The ambition It would be a feather in the cap for the Netherlands if 10% of available acreage was organic by the year 2010. In international terms this would put the Netherlands in an excellent position. To achieve this the acreage under organic farming would have to increase by around 25% per year from 2001 onwards. Considering that the annual average growth from 1993 to 1998 was 16%, some acceleration is required. This cannot be achieved simply by government measures to stimulate supply. The market players, including consumer and social organisations, must rise to the challenge. The necessary acceleration can be brought about through cooperation. Strong growth in the area under organic agriculture would mean that at the end of this decade: Dutch consumers will be among the top European consumers of organic produce from retail, wholesale and catering sources; the agrifood producers will have a number of strong organic brands; Dutch agriculture, in its leading position in production, technology and management, will also master the field of organic production like no other; the sector will compete independently on the international market; the Dutch agricultural knowledge complex will make a significant contribution to knowledge and technology. The market players have primary and joint responsibility for these tasks. There is an important role to be played by the retail, wholesale and catering trades. They form the link with the consumer and, as the demand for organic products grows, they can exert influence on the conversion process. The government hopes to accelerate growth by providing a temporary impetus, with the emphasis on establishing cooperation between market players. With this temporary stimulus the government hopes to contribute to organic agriculture as a socially responsible and innovative type of operation with effects for the entire agrifood complex. 3. Difficulties The market prospects for organic agriculture are good. However, a number of difficulties could hamper the desired acceleration in growth. These can be summarised under three headings. Difficulty: the chain does not operate as well as possible To have the greatest possible influence on favourable market prospects chains need to work smoothly and professionally. Market players must be able to cooperate with each other. At the moment in the organic chain they are unsure how to find each other, do not trust each other or are even entirely unknown to each other. As a result they do not make adequate use of opportunities. In addition, existing institutions can hinder the operation of the chain. It is striking that a number of existing institutions are barely addressing organic agriculture, if at all. It would be good if, for example, some of the commodity boards would invest more in strengthening organic chains. The result of the imperfect working of the chain is that the supply and range of products is limited and unnecessary costs are incurred, making the price to the consumer unnecessarily high. Market prospects are good because there is a large group of potential new consumers of organic products. However, these new consumers are not being reached, because they require a different approach to the often strongly ideologically motivated consumers who currently buy organic products. The new consumers are concerned with the quality of the product, but are particularly influenced by both the way it is perceived and the availability of a wide range of products. The extra cost of this quality product must not be too high compared with the price of a conventionally produced product, particularly as conventional products are produced in ever cleaner and more environmentally-friendly conditions. The favourable market prospects have not yet penetrated sufficiently far into the chain to make primary producers more willing to switch to organic production. The reluctance to convert has a number of causes. For many, the combination of a 2 – 3 year conversion period with uncertainty about the medium term market situation is an important consideration. In addition, conversion from mainstream to organic production requires a major change in business management and philosophy. Organic production involves different production methods, in turn requiring different knowledge and skills and more work from the producers. It also involves a higher degree of commercial risk, particularly in the initial years. Furthermore many sectors are faced with a statutory conversion period agreed at European level, causing a loss in income which is not offset by any direct price compensation during the period when the produce cannot yet be sold as organic. In certain sectors, such as pig farming, heavy investment in housing units is needed to meet the new requirements. Difficulty: living up to consumer confidence Consumers are demanding ever-higher standards of quality and production methods. This applies to all chains, but it is particularly true of the organic chain, where consumers have high expectations. Consumers increasingly ask for more information about the production process and the traceability and origin of the raw materials. With organic products consumers will want guarantees that the product is produced entirely organically. This requires a reliable inspection and certification system within the chain. Precisely because the organic chain is currently at an early stage of development, there is an opportunity to close the chain properly. European regulations (Regulation (EEC) no. 2092/91) set out the requirements to be met by organic products and production methods and also regulate the inspection process. These European regulations permit limited use of conventional products in organic agriculture: often for a limited period. Although this use is legally permissible, in order to reinforce its image, the sector must strive for the most organic production method possible. However, organic agriculture cannot currently undertake to use only products of organic origin in the production process. There are various reasons for this. For example, with organic starting material and organic glasshouse horticulture it is not yet clear what conditions the product or production methods must meet. The organic product may not be sufficiently widely available, as is the case with, say, organic fertiliser and crop protection products of natural origin. Finally, the sector cannot entirely prevent products that do not belong in organic agriculture from ending up in the process. Genetically modified organisms (gmos) are an example of this. Under European regulations no use may be made of gmos or derivative products in the organic chain. But this does not automatically prevent gmos from finding their way into the organic production process, for example, during transportation. European regulations on organic production methods are still being developed. On 24 August 2000 the rules for crop production were supplemented with those for animal production. However, in practice the rules – for example on organic glasshouse horticulture – will have to be elaborated before we can really talk about European harmonisation. The lack of full European harmonisation means that the rules are still not entirely clear. As a result, organic products from different EC member states cannot always be compared like for like. The rising expectations of consumers go further than the statutory regulations. In the coming years, organic agriculture will be expected to adhere to reliable guarantees over a broader field. The inspection and certification system will have to develop continually. Transparency is a precondition for continuing consumer confidence. Difficulty: lack of new knowledge and inadequate dissemination of knowledge Because it is a different system, organic production methods require different knowledge and skills of all links in the chain. Among primary producers in particular there is a real need for new knowledge about organic production systems and techniques and specific problems in operational management. This applies to the development of business systems, starting material and crop protection methods of natural origin, new forms of weed control, energy use in glasshouses and labour-saving and labour-reducing techniques. Further professionalisation of the chain will require joint development of knowledge, in which conventional and organic businesses and the knowledge institutes collaborate more effectively and benefit from each other’s knowledge. Gaining access to developed knowledge (including experiential knowledge) is a problem for individual businesses. In this context more intensive interaction between researchers, information services, education, intermediaries and primary producers and better dissemination and exchange of knowledge are essential and need extra attention. Finally, when it comes to the driving force behind research, organic agriculture takes too little responsibility for the formulation of research questions. 4. Spearheads of policy The role of the government is two-fold. It is permanently responsible, under Regulation (EEC) no. 2092/91 among others, for the enforcement of legislation and regulations and supervises the inspection system. In addition, research, education, and provision of information are important instruments of government policy. However, because the organic chain faces a number of difficulties in achieving the desired growth, the government will also have a transitional role as a catalyst, inspiring the chain to take initiatives to overcome the difficulties. Thus government contributes to an economically sound and socially responsible production chain which will be able to operate without government support in the short term. This role will be a transitional one. It is ultimately up to the market players to complete the task unaided. Cooperation between all the parties is important. In terms of policy it should be emphasised that not only the state but also the provincial authorities stimulate organic agriculture. Other regional authorities, such as the municipal councils and water boards, and social organisations are also developing activities aimed at expanding organic agriculture. The government heartily applauds these initiatives. Platform Biologica is an umbrella organisation for primary organic producers, the supply and processing industries, the trade and retailers. In addition to promoting the interests of the sector, Platform Biologica also has a role in relation to this Policy Document, in closing the chain (including organic starting material, gmos), increasing awareness of the regulations for and understanding of organic production methods, and cooperation with the conventional sector. It can also fulfil a role in private and public initiatives to stimulate organic agriculture. Platform Biologica has performed a lot of important work in recent years. As with other organisations, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality will opt for a market-centred approach. The funding of Platform Biologica will be continued in 2001. Starting in 2002 the scale of funding will be decided on a project-by-project basis depending on submitted and approved project proposals. Considering the nature of the difficulties identified and the desired rapid growth in organic acreage, there is no need for government policy to select particular areas and/or sectors in the Netherlands. Businesses must choose what organic products to grow and where. Government policy will be generic in nature. The demand-centred approach is the main consideration and this will affect the choice of policy instruments. The 1997-2000 Action Plan was aimed primarily at supporting market development, improving quality and stimulating the conversion of primary production. The time is now ripe for a new and different orientation: the chain is the key factor and given favourable market prospects, a demand-centred approach is appropriate. Considering the nature of the problems, the government has opted for the following approach: synergy: cooperation between market players enabling them to exploit favourable market prospects; quality and guarantees by closing the chain; development and dissemination of knowledge. In the next four years following this Policy Document, policy will focus on the following spearheads. I. The professionalisation of demand-centred chains The purpose of this process is to make the best possible use of market potential through cooperation between the parties. It should result in stronger chains with a larger volume and a wider range of organic products at lower prices, and with adequate prospects for primary producers to convert to organic production methods. A framework agreement elaborated in business plansThe Ministry will set up a Task force for market development of organic agriculture with a limited number of representatives from various links of the chain, including banks and consumer and social organisations. The job of the task force will be to catalogue the difficulties and designate solutions and objectives in the various chains. To prepare for the task force, the Ministry has already funded external research, in consultation with the CBL, LTO Nederland (Dutch Federation of Agricultural and Horticultural Organisations) and Platform Biologica, into problems and possible approaches to solutions in a number of organic chains. The work of the task force must culminate in the signing of a framework agreement. In view of the willingness displayed by the market players, this should be possible by the end of 2000.This cooperation between the players must subsequently lead to concrete business plans for the various chains. These business plans must contain specific objectives and binding agreements about the stimulation of the organic chains. The business plan is the stage when the intentions expressed by the various players are put into operation.In the execution of the business plans, the government will make a financial contribution on a project-by-project basis, through the joint innovation programme and other measures, to the development of concrete market activities. Such activities might be, for example, in the fields of quality improvements, production volumes, product innovations, clustering of businesses and logistics. The funding will be limited to projects in which different market players have an interest, projects which would not get off the ground without an extra boost from the government, and which contribute to achieving the objectives agreed in the business plans. The results of the projects must also be of use to all parties.By mid-2001 the business plans should be complete. This will be the time to evaluate this part of the process: too few business plans, or none at all, will lead to a reconsideration of the deployment of government measures and funds. The implementation of the business plans will be reviewed annually by the Ministry, and adjusted where necessary. Information and communication planThe government has the task of providing the public with objective information. By raising public awareness about sustainable production, animal welfare and biodiversity, the public, and thus the consumer, begins to appreciate the real value of the product and will be more willing to pay a higher price for it. The premium is paid because organic agriculture goes beyond the statutory requirements applicable to conventional agriculture, and incurs higher costs in production. Agriculture as a whole can benefit from this process of increasing consumer awareness. An information plan will be elaborated in which institutions such as the Voedingscentrum Nederland (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) will provide the public with objective information on sustainably produced products.Communication with potential new consumers is a challenge to be shared by the market players. A communication plan linked to the framework agreement or the business plans is the obvious direction to take. This communication plan must be aimed at the consumer and the part of the chain serving the consumer (retail, catering and wholesale trades), emphasising the promotion of organic products. The main aim of the communication plan must be to win over and retain new consumers. II. Optimum transparency and closing the chain Optimum transparency and closing the chain are priorities for all players in the agrifood complex. The chains themselves are responsible for this, and the aim is to provide guarantees and live up to consumer expectations. Given the current stage of development of the organic chain, there is now a good opportunity to build up a solid and efficient system. Chain guarantee systemsLike other chains, the organic chain must meet the relevant public health requirements and requirements imposed by market players. The obvious approach is to link this to the development of chain guarantee and certification systems in the conventional agriculture sector. Where necessary a chain guarantee system can be adapted to the organic production system. Transparency is a precondition for consumer confidence. The entire production process must be inspected at every step and must be traceable. The use of the Hazards Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) principle throughout the chain is therefore desirable. The organic chain can make use of its expertise in the field of certification for the EKO quality mark. Closing the chainOrganic products have a high amenity value. The products are known to consumers as being produced in a natural and environmentally-friendly way without the use of pesticides and gmos. However, the chain cannot currently guarantee that everything is entirely organic. The chain is primarily responsible for this. Given the issues specific to this chain, and the over-riding importance of closing the chain, the government wishes to spur on the process. Where necessary temporary assistance will be provided in the following areas: Organic starting materialThe Netherlands is highly respected throughout the world in the field of the breeding and production of starting material. The organic and breeding sectors must join forces in the short term at European level to arrive at an adequate and accepted definition of organic processing. They must specify what methods are acceptable and how processing should be carried out. Alliances between the conventional and organic sectors would facilitate this. On completion of this first step, the processing sector will receive transitional funding on the basis of initiatives to be proposed by the business community. In addition, to provide support, the research will be expressly aimed at increasing the availability of organic starting material. Genetically modified organisms (gmos)Keeping the chain gmo-free concerns not only organic agriculture but also all other chains seeking gmo-free production. The chain itself is primarily responsible for excluding gmos. The role of the government in respect of gmos is set out in the Integral Policy Document on Biotechnology. The government wishes to give consumers the opportunity to choose between gm and gm-free products. For some years the Ministry has provided support for a project concerned with the non-gm nature of the organic chain. Following on from this project financial support will be given to a joint initiative of the organic business community aimed at the actual development of a gm-free organic chain, and the necessary monitoring system. In this project cooperation with other gm-free chains would be an advantage. Crop protection products of natural originConsumers will in future expect the sector to keep the use of crop protection products permitted under the regulations to a minimum. Prevention of pests and diseases must take precedence. Policy on crop protection after 2000 will be determined this autumn. The crop protection products of natural origin required by the organic sector are subject to the same requirement as the conventional products: that they are safe for mankind and the environment. Work is currently underway nationally and internationally to simplify the approval procedures for crop protection products of natural origin and so reduce the costs of evaluation. In addition the institution of a transitional incentive fund for approval is being evaluated.These actions combined with the activities of the sector in these fields must be sufficient to close the organic chain. InspectionAs announced in the policy document on Food Production and Rural Areas (Voedsel en Groen) the government will take a stronger interest in supervision of the inspection process. In the Netherlands Skal (Stichting Keur Alternatief voortgebrachte Landbouwprodukten) is currently responsible for the inspection of organic production methods under the Landbouwkwaliteitsbesluit biologische productiemethode (Agricultural Produce Quality Control Decree). The role of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality as the Skal watchdog is currently being evaluated and adapted where necessary. The same applies to the unique position of Skal in the Netherlands. Harmonisation of international legislation and regulations on organic agricultureIn addition to its role as a driving force and supervisory authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has an important function to fulfil in the development of European and international legislation and regulations. The debate on standards for organic production is currently taking place mainly in the European forum. For the Netherlands issues such as the import of organic products from third countries, the rules for organic glasshouse horticulture and starting material and the further elaboration of gmo-free organic agriculture are of great importance. The sector is being asked to make an active effort to indicate clearly the directions it wants to develop. The object is optimum harmonisation of international legislation and regulations. This must increase the transparency of the chain.European rules for organic animal production have been in force since 24 August 2000. These provide the opportunity to supplement the European rules with national rules. The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has decided not to introduce any additional national statutory regulations. Its argument is that the European rules form the basic level and the ‘bonus’ – stricter national standards – can be created in the market. The Ministry does however wish to make a strong case in Brussels for a further round of harmonisation between member states. Should additional harmonisation prove impossible, cooperation will be sought in the European context with other member states holding similar views. III. Development and dissemination of knowledge Knowledge is essential for tapping new markets, developing new ways of reaching consumers and improving the environment we live in. Development and dissemination of knowledge is essential in all links of the chain: in growing, processing, sales and distribution. The development and dissemination of knowledge has in recent years contributed significantly to the growth of organic agriculture. It will continue to be in demand in the coming years. Primary producers in the process of conversion will want to know more about organic production systems and techniques and specific difficulties in operational management. By forging a link between organic and conventional research, existing knowledge and infrastructure can be used. Organic agriculture will have to strengthen its position within the current structure of research control. Proper organisation of the research questions and contributions to the realisation of the research will help to strengthen its position. Examples of difficulties facing primary producers in organic operational management:pests and diseasesmechanical weed controluse of energy and nutrient management in the glasshousesoil and nutrient managementmineralisation of organic fertiliserslabour productivity Wageningen University and Research Centre (UR) has announced that it intends to put organic agriculture firmly on the agenda. Within a foreseeable time Wageningen UR hopes to devote 10% of its discretionary budget for research to organic agriculture. It is also investigating the possibility of starting a new course in organic agriculture. These initiatives on the part of Wageningen UR will strengthen the development and dissemination of knowledge. Research is not an end in itself. The dissemination and transfer of knowledge are at least as important. Knowledge institutes will have to make extra efforts through cooperation between researchers, information services, education and intermediaries. The government will continue to make a financial contribution to the dissemination of knowledge for potential organic farmers. The emphasis here is on encouraging conversion and improving organic enterprise skills. In the educational world serious efforts have been made to integrate organic agriculture into general courses. This has laid the foundation for the broad introduction and dissemination of organic agriculture in professional practice. This line will be continued in subsequent years, among other things in the reform of agricultural education. Financial assistance will be made available for this under an innovation regulation for agricultural education. Courses on organic agriculture for current producers also receive financial support so that course fees can be kept down. These actions in the field of research, information and education, where the government has a traditional role, will help to tackle the remaining knowledge gaps. IV. Stimulating organic primary production: transition from supply to demand-centred approach Direct government support for the development of organic agriculture is not the appropriate course for the future. Good market prospects must provide the stimulus for farmers to convert to organic production. The business plans referred to under the heading ‘the professionalisation of demand-centred chains’ must in the short term provide primary producers with sufficient guarantees to make the step from conventional to organic methods. On the other hand the sector must be given some time to master this demand-centred approach. The next few years will be a transitional period: new instruments will be introduced to stimulate conversion, old measures will be dismantled. Guarantees for capital-intensive sectorsGovernment guarantees reduce the risks of investment in capital-intensive business systems. In terms of the costs associated with conversion, pig farming has particularly high start-up costs due to the necessary adaptation of the housing. Currently under the Borgstellingsfonds (Agricultural Guarantee Fund) banks lend money to farmers and growers with (partial) government guarantees that the interest and amortisation payments will be honoured. Promoting conversionIn the 1997-2000 Plan of Action financial support was available for the conversion of primary production to organic in the vegetable sectors and dairy farming under the Regeling Stimulering Biologische Productiemethode (Organic Production Financial Incentives Scheme (RSBP)). Under this scheme the government contributed to compensation for loss of income suffered as a result of the statutory conversion period during which the primary producers produce organically but cannot yet market their products as organic. In the last year of the current Action Plan (2000) and the first year of this Policy Document (2001), 65% of the loss of income is compensated by the government under the Financial Incentives Scheme. The scheme will run for the last time in 2002. The compensation for loss of income will then be set at 50%. The scheme is non-selective in that it does not specify which vegetable and dairy farming sectors may be eligible.Business review For a producer to make a considered choice to convert to organic production it is vital to have a commercial development plan drawn up by a competent body. Financial support will be available to all sectors to help with the cost of compiling the plan. V. Other matters LabourOrganic agriculture is labour-intensive and often has seasonal labour peaks. This is not unique to organic agriculture. Other primary sectors are also faced with labour shortages. In addition, working conditions in agriculture and horticulture are not (yet) regarded as attractive. Recruiting the necessary workers can sometimes cause serious problems. The employment strategy is in the first instance the responsibility of the producers themselves. However, in its policy document ‘Voedsel en Groen’ (Food Production and Rural Areas), the government announced that it would examine the possibility of forming labour pools. This would facilitate a broad deployment of labour not bound to a particular business which would benefit organic agriculture. The research process will consider labour saving in operational management by developing labour-saving techniques, among other things. VAT rate for organic productsBased on the sixth EU directive on turnover tax, zero-rating for organic products is not permitted in Europe. In the Memorandum on various VAT issues of 14 June 2000 to the Standing Finance Committee of the Lower House, the State Secretary of Finance indicated that this would only be likely to succeed if other EU member states would be prepared to support such a request from the Netherlands. The Ministry of Finance is currently seeking the views of other member states and will inform the House in due course of its progress. 5. Financial resources The deployment of state funding depends to a considerable extent on the will of the market players to set up joint market-oriented projects. The section ‘The professionalisation of demand-centred chains’ of this Policy Document will be evaluated for the first time in mid-2001 and policy will be adjusted as necessary. A conscious choice has been made not to attach the deployment of financial resources to particular parts of the chain. Deployment must be flexible to respond to the development of the chain. Support for the development and dissemination of knowledge is an exception to this rule. The following amounts are available for the implementation of the Policy Document on Organic Agriculture 2001-2004: Financial statement (commitment in NLG millions) 1. Professionalisation of chain;optimum transparency and closing of chain 5 7.5 7.5 5 25 2. Knowledge – research 17 18.5 18 18 71.5 – information and educational courses 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.7 10.5 3. Measures to stimulate the conversion of the primary sector – guarantees 5 5 5 5 20 – RSBP 20 10 0 0 30 – business review 1 1 1 1 4 4. Public awareness 1.6 2.5 2.5 2.5 9.1 5. Platform Biologica 0.9 * * * 0.9 6. Fiscal: sustainable business allowance** 22 25 28 31 106 Total 75.1 72.1 64.6 65.2 277 * Based on project funding from public awareness budget. **The structural part of the sustainable business allowance for organic agriculture amounts to an annual 75 million guilders and will be reached in 2015. It is not known precisely how the other fiscal measures will affect organic agriculture. The tax benefit of the green investment scheme is currently estimated at over 10 million guilders per year. In addition to the instruments described above, organic agriculture can also benefit from other government subsidies, such as the future Agricultural Innovation Fund. New supplementary policy instruments and amendments to existing instruments must be submitted to the European Commission for approval before they are put into effect. Every effort will be made to make the best possible use of opportunities for European co-financing for new policy instruments. During the lifetime of the Policy Document the progress of the incentive schemes will be broadly monitored. An initial part of the process, the development of business plans, will be evaluated in 2001, following which, in 2004, a final evaluation will be carried out and the results submitted to the House. The House will also receive a progress report annually in May on the implementation of the Policy Document. Annex: Current status of organic agriculture in the Netherlands The Policy Document on Organic Agriculture states that the organic sector has witnessed strong growth in recent years. This is confirmed by the statistics given in this annex. Consumption and retail ConsumptionIn general it may be concluded that both production and consumption of organic products represent around 1% of total production and consumption in the Netherlands. Yoghurt is a positive exception with a market share of 2.6% in 1999. In other European countries organic products also account for around 1% of food consumption. Notable exceptions are Germany (2.5%), Denmark (3%) and Austria (5%). It is striking that the Netherlands imports the majority of organic products from abroad. Of these imports, 80% are re-exported. A proportion of Dutch production is also exported. The UK in particular is a lucrative target market.Source :N.M. van der Grijp, F. de Hond : Green supply chain initiatives in the European food and retailing industry (1999) Institute for Environmental Studies (VU Amsterdam); EKO-monitor, Platform Biologica Retail The total retail turnover of organic products in the Netherlands has risen steeply in recent years (in NLG millions): 1997 375 1998 440 1999 515 Source: EKO-monitor, January 2000, Platform Biologica The total food turnover in the Dutch retail trade was 45.9 thousand million guilders in 1999, with organic products accounting for 1.1%.Source: CBL The number of points of sale has also risen steeply. The number of supermarkets stocking over 15 organic products increased from 70 in 1995 to over 4,000 in 1999. The number of wholefood shops has also risen over the same period from 280 to over 400 and the number of pre-purchase schemes (organic box schemes) has risen from 4,000 to 44,000.Currently 60% of consumers buy their organic produce in supermarkets, 30% in wholefood shops, and 15% direct from the farmer or from farmers markets. Since a proportion of consumers buy from more than one outlet, the total exceeds 100%.Source: Evaluatie Plan van aanpak biologische landbouw 1997 – 1999 (Evaluation of Organic Agriculture Action Plan 1997 – 1999) Processing companies Since 1996 the number of businesses in processing and preparation of organic products has increased by 350. Currently 780 organic processors are registered in the Netherlands. These are industrial and craft companies, importers and service companies.Source: EKO-monitor, May 2000, Platform Biologica Primary organic companies In 1999 organic production methods were applied in 1216 businesses (1.2% of the total number of primary producers). Of these 280 companies were in transition. During the period of the Action Plan (1996 to 1999 inclusive) the land devoted to organic agriculture increased by more than 10,000 hectares, to 22,997 hectares (1.2% of total agricultural land area).CBS figures show that in the period 1996-1999, 61% of the increase in land devoted to organic agriculture area was in dairy farming, 34% in arable and 5% in horticulture. Distribution of companies per sector in percentages (1999): Horticulture 24.5 Fruit growing 6.0 Arable farming 24.0 Livestock 42.0 Other (incl. mushrooms and plant material) 3.5 Source : EKO-monitor, January 2000, Platform Biologica; Evaluatie Plan van aanpak biologische landbouw 1997 – 1999 (Evaluation of Organic Agriculture Action Plan 1997 – 1999) Some sectors The figures below relate to the development of organic agriculture broken down into various sectors. Although the same statistics are not available for all sectors, this still provides a rough picture of the growth of organic agriculture. Dairy 1997 1998 2001 (projection) number of cattle farmers 120 175 340 milk delivery (in millions of litres) 33 50 98 percentage of total 0.3 0.5 1.0 Market share (as a percentage) of organic dairy produce compared with total consumption of fresh dairy products: total yoghurt (butter)milk custard 1998 (to end of 3rd quarter) : 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.2 1999 (to end of 3rd quarter) : 1.8 2.6 2.1 0.4 Source: EKO-monitor, January 2000, Platform Biologica Pig farmingAt the end of 1999 there were 9,000 organic heavy baconer places and 1,200 sow places (35 farms) in the Netherlands. 23,000 organic pigs were slaughtered in 1999. 4,000 organic pigs were imported over the same period.Demand for pre-packed meat for supermarkets is rising steadily.Source: EKO-monitor, May 2000, Platform Biologica Egg productionIn May 2000 the organic poultry stock consisted of around 90,000 chickens. This is around 0.5% of total egg production. Last year there were 50,000 organic chickens.Source: EKO-monitor, May 2000, Platform Biologica Potatoes, vegetables and fruit (PVF)According to the CBL the market share of organic potato, vegetable and fruit products in supermarkets is currently around 5% and will rise to 10%.Source: EKO-monitor, January 2000, Platform Biologica From 1996 to 1999, the area under arable crops grew from 5115 hectares to 6661 hectares, a rise of 30%. This growth is mainly due to the increase in the amount of land devoted to fodder crops (maize, alfalfa and cereals). The area under horticulture rose in this period from 1086 to 1633 hectares, an increase of 50%.Source: CBS The area of potatoes increased by 55 hectares to 749 hectares between 1996 and 1998.Source: CBS Apples 1999 2000 (projection) total (May census) 12,084 ha organic 183 ha 300 ha share (%) of total Dutch acreage 1.5 2.5 Source: publication ‘Biologische groeistuipen'(Organic growing trends), March 2000, Rabobank Stafgroep Duurzame Ontwikkelingen (Rabobank Sustainable Development Group) Mushrooms 1999 2000 (projection) organic 30-40 ton / week 130-150 ton/week share (%) of total Dutch production 0.8 3 Source: publication ‘Biologische groeistuipen'(Organic growing trends), March 2000, Rabobank Stafgroep Duurzame Ontwikkelingen (Rabobank Sustainable Development Group)
How Fashion Meets Impact, November 2016
Club of Amsterdam pdf version A Blue Ocean Investment Strategy for the Textile & Garment Industry Supporter Impact Economy A collaboration between Impact Economy and the Club of Amsterdam. How Fashion Meets Impact – A Blue Ocean Investment Strategy for the Textile & Garment Industry The combined effect of Greenpeace’s “Detox” campaign to combat the use of harmful chemicals in the textile and garment industry (launched in 2011), and the Rana Plaza industrial accident in Dhaka, Bangladesh (2013) – where over 1,100 workers died when a factory building collapsed – has been much greater pressure to sort out the precarious working conditions in fashion brand’s supply chains. Making real progress is hard. A sustainable solution requires investment in factory modernization, going beyond compliance. To reconcile fast fashion with dignity and sustainability, the textile and garments industry urgently needs a blue ocean strategy. Club of Amsterdam has partnered with Impact Economy for a breakfast event in Amsterdam, focusing on the potential of impact investing in solving the issues. For the occasion, we are excited to introduce the work of the Apparel Innovation Consortium (AIC). The AIC is a factory-upgrading project that is currently being piloted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bringing best available technologies, modern management practices, and financing to the factories, the AIC looks to cut water consumption at the manufacturing stage by half, slash energy use by one third, chemicals by one fifth, and embed world class manufacturing principles so that (women’s) work can be highly productive, safe, and appropriately compensated. All of this in ways that are investible. The strategy is derived from the study “Creating Sustainable Apparel Value Chains”, which was hailed by leading voices in the industry as “groundbreaking”. We will share our vision and experience on the challenges in building a blueprint to take fashion supply chains into the twenty-first century, everywhere, and for all workers. 09:15 – 09:45 Breakfast 09:45 – 11:00 Introduction by our Moderator Eva Olde Monnikhof, Director, AVL-Mundo Presentation & Dialogue Eva Olde Monnikhof Director, AVL-Mundo Eva Olde Monnikhof is the former fashion coordinator of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and the current director of the Foundation AVL-Mundo (www.avlmundo.org), a foundation that makes art accessible to the regular public in Rotterdam and beyond. During her fashion days she was actively involved in attracting new fashion companies to the Amsterdam region and supported whole heartedly the initiatives regarding talent development and sustainability in this particular sector, such as Fashion Fasterclass, MINT and last but not least Denim City. She has a background in international relations, strategy development and project management. Next to her regular job, Eva is a regular speaker at conferences and teaches at universities. Nice to know: In her closet you will find approximately 30 pair of jeans. www.avlmundo.org
Towards a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology
by EU – Life Sciences and Biotechnology Consultation document 1. TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE AND STRATEGIC VISION Scientific and technological progress in the life sciences and modern biotechnology is continuing at a breathtaking pace. At the same time, the potential benefits and implications for individuals, society and the environment have given rise to intense public debate. At the European Council in Lisbon in March 2000, the European Union set itself a new strategic goal for the next decade: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. In its follow-up report of February 2001 to the Stockholm European Council under the so-called Lisbon strategy, the Commission recalled the economic, social and environmental potential of life sciences and biotechnology and, in consequence, the strategic and long-term importance for Europe of mastering these sciences and technologies and their applications. The Commission also announced its intention to present, by the end of 2001, a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology up to 2010 and beyond. That initiative should take a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective and propose concrete actions in the short-term to meet the challenges of tomorrow, to achieve the Lisbon objectives and to contribute to the continued public dialogue and consensus building. Life sciences and biotechnology raise different types of issues which should be addressed at the appropriate level in accordance with the subsidiarity principle. In some areas, the Community has a clear responsibility (for example concerning trade and internal market implications as well as handling the implications of life sciences and biotechnology on existing Community policies), in others, the responsibility lies overwhelmingly with the Member States (e.g. on setting the ethical principles). The cross-cutting nature and importance of life sciences and biotechnology and their implications call for a careful reflection on overall coherence and on the involvement of civil society and stakeholders. You can download the full report as a *.pdf: click here
Integrating Genomics Technologies into Food Research
THE KEY FACTOR FOR SUCCESS FOOD RESEARCH IN THE NETHERLANDS, A BIRDS-EYE VIEWThe pace of development of new food products and ingredients is increasing at an unprecedented speed and the R&D to efficiently address all needs of the modern consumer regarding taste, health, safety and convenience is becoming increasingly complex. This increasing complexity is creating a need for large multi-disciplinary food research centres. Food multinationals are restructuring their R&D into larger units. Worldwide this is leading to a decrease in the amount of food research; in the Netherlands, however, the reverse is true. Unilever has decided to concentrate European food research in the Vlaardingen laboratory and the Campina dairy company recently clustered R&D on milk and milk products from locations in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands in the new Campina Innovation centre in Wageningen. A unique example of combining forces for strategic non-competitive fundamental research is the Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, established by Unilever, DSM, the dairy industry, Avebe and Cosun together with Wageningen University and Research Centre, NIZO Food Research and TNO Nutrition and Food Research. Following the entry of CSM and the medical and health sciences departments of Maastricht University WCFS has been enlarged in recent years to a program of over 125 fte. The program of WCFS focuses on complex issues that cannot be addressed by mono-disciplinary research groups, thereby creating unique expertise contributing to the skill base of all WCFS participants. Dutch initiatives contribute also significantly to the establishment of international food research consortia, such as the SAFE Consortium – the union of 6 leading institutes in food safety research and consultancy, with INRA – France, ISPA – Italy, IFR – UK, VTT – Finland and two participants of the Netherlands – Wageningen University and Research Centre and TNO Nutrition and Food Research. SAFE is aiming at being a leading provider of authoritative, independent scientific information on food safety. Other signs of a growing international impact of Dutch food research are the numbers of foreign M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in Wageningen and the level of 50% of contract research at TNO Nutrition and Food Research funded from abroad, foreign companies being attracted by the multi-disciplinary skill base of its staff of 700. A key factor for being successful in the demanding world of food research is the integration of the rapidly expanding genomics toolbox into basic and applied nutrition and food research. In this paper this will be illustrated with examples in the field of microbial genomics whereas the impact of genomics in other fields of food and nutrition research will be discussed more briefly. Source: Holland Biotechnology, Genomics and Science Based Business, 63 editie 2003. http://www.hollandbiotechnology.nl You can download the full article as a *.pdf file: click here.