Innovation requires connecting with dissidents, such as young urbanites. Only than, the agricultural sector can maintain its position as an innovator. That was the approach of the Agricultural Debate Wednesday afternoon in Bunnik. The Dutch research centre LEI Wageningen UR organized the debate for the third time. This years theme was “New connections”. During the debate, the Chatham House Rule applied, that’s why names have been omitted in this piece.

Young urbanites are the agricultural innovations of tomorrow, ushered one statement during the debate. Young urbanites are the masterminds of several trendy food innovations like trendy bags made from vegetable waste and mushrooms cultivated on coffee waste in the old swimming pool, explains one of the LEI researchers. “In order not to lose the social valuation agricultural entrepreneurs should embrace these initiatives.” The majority of the audience did not agree with the statement. “Good ideas, but we are not going to feed the world with these projects.” There was also stated that the agricultural sector in the Netherlands is already running far ahead in the world and that numerous innovations are formed within the sector. But is that the reality? Yes we are a very innovative in using drones and GPS systems in the industry, but these technologies are developed outside the sector. According to the LEI researcher the agricultural industry is stuck in “old thinking” and there is no feeling for trends.

Also within the walls of Daavision this is a topic of debate: Making new connections both inside and outside the sector. The business activities are internationally oriented, but our production location is situated in the Agrifood Capital of the Netherlands. By participating in the BOV award competition, we hope to make new connections within the agri network. So we may can pursuing  our ambition with partners from this network.

But establishing connections within the industry is not enough. For truly new inspiration and innovation, we look beyond the familiar world of agriculture. For example, we participate in the project storytelling and design. In which designers of ArtEZ Institute of  Arts  start working on a question from the Food & Agri sector. Soon the first selection interview will take place. I can not wait to go in debate with these creative dissidents.

Marieke Ploegmakers

Marketing&Communication