On tomorrow's grounds', Flemish agriculture in 2030: a case of participatory translation of sustainability principles into a vision for the future
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Journal article with impact factorAuthor
Nevens, FrankDessein, J.
Meul, M.
Rogge, E.
Verbruggen, I.
Mulier, A.
Van Passel, Steven
Lepoutre, Jan
Hongenaert, M.
Publication Year
2008Journal
Journal of Cleaner ProductionPublication Volume
16Publication Issue
10Publication Begin page
1062Publication End page
1070
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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.ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.jclepro.2007.06.007