On tomorrow's grounds', Flemish agriculture in 2030: a case of participatory translation of sustainability principles into a vision for the future
Nevens, Frank Dessein, J. Meul, M. Rogge, E. Verbruggen, I. Mulier, A. Van Passel, Steven Lepoutre, Jan Hongenaert, M.
Nevens, Frank
Dessein, J.
Meul, M.
Rogge, E.
Verbruggen, I.
Mulier, A.
Van Passel, Steven
Lepoutre, Jan
Hongenaert, M.
Citations
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2008
Journal
Journal of Cleaner Production
Book
Publication Volume
16
Publication Issue
10
Publication Begin page
1062
Publication End page
1070
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
In Flanders (Belgium) there is an obvious lack of clear long-term vision on sustainable development, for society as a whole as well as for the individual sectors of (economic) activity. In this paper we present the first results of a process of vision development for Flemish agriculture, called ‘On tomorrow's grounds’. The initiative, taken by Stedula (the Flemish Policy Research Centre for Sustainable Agriculture), shows that discovering core values, stating a concise mission, establishing guiding core principles and working with vivid descriptions of envisaged future systems seem indispensable elements to develop a vision that inspires and mobilizes people and that, eventually, stands a chance of being anchored in the sector's or organisation's culture. The principal method of working of the project was a multi-stakeholder process (MSP) focussed on dialogue. During five extensive stakeholder meetings, representatives of farmers, service industries, food distribution, education, government, research, consumers and NGO's participated in a constructive dialogue on values and mission, principles and two vivid descriptions of envisioned future farms. The concept of the project was welcomed and supported by the Flemish Minister-President and by the Belgian federal state secretary for sustainable development.