Food and agriculture

Our current food system depletes soils, makes us reliant on processed foods, and puts pressure on nature, public health, and supply chains. Not only is biodiversity disappearing, farmers are also losing their grip on their position in the chain. Future Up works toward a system that is resilient: healthy for people, the environment, and the economy.
What are Transitions?

Biodiversity starts with cooperation

Future Up is building a larger market for natural farming. Together with farmers, advisors, financiers, knowledge institutions, and governments, we ensure that supply and demand can find each other more easily.

We stand beside farmers and share what works in practice, whether it’s farming without pesticides or securing clear sales agreements. Always with the business model in mind, because natural farming pays off. For the soil and for the farmer.

Our ambition is to put the Netherlands at the forefront of biodiversity restoration, with farming practices that are both natural and financially viable.

We create more demand for food from natural farmers We make agreements between companies and farmers for a stable market outlet
We guide conventional farmers in the transition to natural landbuw Motivating and guiding farmers in switching to natural farming
We are working on legislation that works for natural farmers Paving the way for conversion to natural farming to increase supply

Buy from farmers who are do things right

Future Up developed an online platform where buyers of food and beverages can find a nationwide overview of farmers who actively strengthen nature and biodiversity: boerennatuurlijk.nl. Here, buyers can check which farmers they can purchase from, where they are located, and how they contribute to nature and biodiversity.

To boerennatuurlijk.nl

This is what partners say about working together for natural farming

Together with Future Up, all partners who want to positively change the food system are represented. Together, we dare more and create a future-proof food system.

Michiel Roodenburg

Co-founder Crisp

Het Voedsel en Landbouw-netwerk van Future Up biedt ons inspiratie en inzichten om onze financieringsaanpak voor natuurlijke boeren te ontwikkelen.

Céline Pessers

Sustainability Advisor ABN Amro

Thanks to the Food and Agriculture programme, NS includes procurement from regenerative farmers in its tender.

Patricia Temme

Programme manager Sustainable Business and Innovation NS

Become a partner and help build an Eeonomy that works

From Fairtrade Original and Verstegen to Tony’s Chocolonely and Crisp: together we are building an economy that works. We connect the right players, drive action, and create the conditions for sustainable market dynamics. Through practical programmes, strategic collaborations, and strong public affairs, we create a level playing field and visible impact. Will you join us?

Join us These partners are already connected

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of joining a Transition of Future Up?

  • Access to our Campus with practical knowledge, tools and formats to make sustainable entrepreneurship concrete

  • Access to our (online) Community where you will have the opportunity to do sustainable business as well as share your experiences and ask questions

  • Annual access ticket to our annual major event where we gather all partners

  • Discounts on our meet-ups, workshops and Community of Practice series

  • Discounts on our training courses: the Masterclass in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and the TIAS Sustainability Programme

Which other organisations partner with Future Up?

See on this page who Future Up's partners are.

What does a market change or transition programme entail?

A transition programme is a programme to change a sector. We are currently doing that with Farmers Naturally (biodiversity in agrifood) and Textile District (circularity in textiles). A third - and who knows, maybe fourth - programme are under development. We will drop this under the heading of Transitions. What characterises such a programme is that several parties together hold a solution to a social problem. Future Up brings these parties together to change this market towards a better future.

Can I pitch my idea for a project with other companies?

Through our Community and partner offerings, we will continue to connect you with potential cooperation partners. Sparring about ideas is always possible, contact your relationship manager for this.

Now that the sector networks no longer exist, can I still participate in projects or connect with other partners?

Yes definitely, through our Community we connect you to the right partners and bring together supply and demand, also for collaborating on projects.

I am participating or want to participate in the new transition programmes, can this be done from the regular partnership?

Yes, you can participate in the transition programmes as a partner.

About Transitions

Through Transitions, we work on changing markets. Our programmes in the agricultural transition, circular textiles, and the construction and infrastructure sector show that this approach works.

A transition programme is designed to change an entire sector. We currently run programmes focused on biodiversity in food and agriculture, circularity in textiles, and nature-inclusive practices in construction and infrastructure.

What defines a Transition programme is that multiple actors jointly hold the key to solving a societal challenge. Future Up brings these parties together to transform the market toward a better future.