Netherlands, Europe Women & Food day

The main lesson from the day? Transition is not only about starting something new.

The session on local food networks focused on the connection between the experience of food in the city and food production in and around the city. This theme is becoming increasingly important, especially because the origin of food and the people behind its production are becoming less and less visible to many Dutch consumers.

In the workshop on short supply chains, women from the agricultural sector shared their experiences of change and innovation. Those personal stories in particular showed just how much knowledge, commitment and perseverance the sector holds.

In practice, we often find people keen to start something new and quick to generate enthusiasm for it. The energy then tends to go mainly into development, innovation and looking ahead. What is sometimes overlooked in the process is the careful completion of existing processes, products or activities and ensuring they are properly documented and stored. Otherwise, valuable knowledge can be lost. Too little is sometimes learned from what has already been built or tried before.

Once again, this day made it clear to us that sustainable transition is not only about starting and renewing, but very much also about closing things off properly, reflecting, and consciously carrying forward what the past has delivered.

For that reason, we look back on this gathering with great appreciation. Not only because of the theme of women and food, but above all because the day showed how important different roles are in times of change. Sustainable transition requires people who are willing to build the new, but equally people who, with care and respect, help let go of the old.

Photographer: Sacha van den Enden