Triggering transitions towards sustainable development of the Dutch agricultural sector: TransForum's approach

TR Number
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)
Abstract

TransForum is a program that seeks to encourage the transition to sustainable agriculture within the Dutch agricultural sector. The article evaluates the framework through which this agricultural shift can be made. TransForum strives to realize this agricultural change through testing the 5 hypotheses that (1) sustainable development is a fluid system that (2) requires innovation and (3) this innovation is achieved through a dynamic learning process. The (4) participation of various agents (i.e. intellectual institutions, business entities, civil society organizations, and government bodies) is necessary and the (5) collaboration of these agents are vital components for the realization of sustainable development. The article identifies international agro-food networks, vital clusters, and regional development as three innovative strategies that are an improvement upon current structures. These three strategies would serve as the organizational structure for innovative projects. TransForum seeks to test the five hypotheses previously outlined and to address needs, questions, and concerns raised in system innovations. People’s preferences and behaviors, scientific studies, and the organization of transitions/innovations are continually monitored to promote the realization of innovative goals and the transition to sustainable agriculture. The authors of the article found that institutional structures and regulations hamper changes in the current agricultural sector. For example, European Union regulations and policies have significant impact on landscape development in EU member states. TransForum has formed partnerships with the United States and with China to encourage sustainable agricultural development on the international scale.

Description
Metadata only record
Keywords
Sustainable agriculture, Sustainable development, Transitions, System innovation, Organization,dynamic collaboration, Transforum, Dutch, Vital clusters, Regional development, International agro-food networks, Ecosystem Governance
Citation
Agronomy for Sustainable Development 29(1): 87-96