From analysis to action: on a procurement mission for a future-proof chain

To bridge that gap between ambition and action, CSR Netherlands organises sustainable procurement missions: trips in which companies meet new business partners, strengthen existing relationships and learn together how to turn insight on paper into concrete improvements. The first mission will take place in 2026 and will focus on the food and agrifood sector in Colombia. We speak to Roxana de Raad, expert on sustainable chains at MVO Netherlands and involved in the procurement mission. Why is this so important right now and how does the procurement mission help companies move forward?

Why are sustainable procurement missions important for companies right now?

"The world is changing rapidly. Raw materials are becoming scarcer, the climate is changing and geopolitics are creating uncertainty. For many companies, security of supply can no longer be taken for granted. At the same time, the pressure to become more sustainable is growing. From customers, legislation and from the company's own ambitions. Working towards a strong, sustainable chain is no longer a luxury, it is simply good entrepreneurship."

What makes chain sustainability so difficult?

"Many companies want to, but get stuck in the implementation. They do risk assessments, fill in questionnaires, screen suppliers. But then? The real challenge lies in turning insights into action. How do you get started if you don't know exactly where the risks are, or if you don't have a direct line of communication with your suppliers? Most companies know that there are risks, but not exactly where or why they arise. Let alone how they can change it together with local producers. For example, what does sustainability mean for a farmer's cooperative in Colombia, or for a factory owner in Bangladesh? And how is their business affected by the effects of climate change, market forces or other circumstances? Ultimately, these circumstances and risks affect your own business too, so having a conversation about this and feeling responsibility together is very valuable."

And how does a procurement mission help with that?

"By literally getting closer to the chain. You speak not only to local producers, but also to NGOs and other stakeholders who know what is going on. For example, what does sustainability mean for an entrepreneur who is facing extreme weather or low market prices? That context is crucial to achieve improvements together."

What makes finding new partners so complicated?

"You don't find a trustworthy business partner through an Excel file or audit report. You build trust by meeting and working together. You can find a lot online, but a good relationship requires more. It takes time and energy. Exactly what many companies lack. And that's where the value of procurement missions lies: we arrange the right meetings and make sure something really happens."

How is it different from a traditional trade mission?

"A trade mission is often about markets and growth. This mission focuses on chain opportunities. How do you future-proof your chain? And with whom can you cooperate in this? We are not only looking for new suppliers, but also for partners for improvement projects. Think better working conditions or lower climate impact."

What does the mission to Colombia look like?

"In March 2026, we will go to Colombia with Dutch companies from the food and agrifood sector. For five days, we will visit farmers, cooperatives and sustainable producers. We connect companies with potential partners and engage with NGOs and governments. It's all about learning, experiencing and working together. And we tailor the programme to the purchasing focus of the participants, for example bananas, coffee, avocados or palm oil."

What kind of companies can participate?

"We deliberately focus broadly: from caterers to importers, from retailers to food brands. It is precisely this mix that provides valuable insights and surprising collaborations. We also encourage companies to team up with existing chain partners. Then you can take steps together and accelerate."

What concrete returns does participation bring to a company?

"New contacts, direct access to projects, practical insights and time savings. On-site discussions give you better data for your own risk analyses, due diligence or CSRD reports. And you can connect directly to ongoing projects for regenerative agriculture or better incomes for farmers, for instance. In short: fewer loose ends, more results."

And who will provide funding?

"For this first mission, we are partnering with Invest International. They offer financing opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest in countries like Colombia. Especially interesting for companies looking to expand or innovate their chain."

What role does CSR Netherlands play in it all?

"We provide the connection. We bring companies together with relevant partners - from producers to NGOs - and provide a programme with both content and impact. We know what works and what is needed for a good conversation and a good match.

I myself have organised 'regular' trade missions for more than 12 years, including to key importing countries such as Colombia. From personal experience and that of the hundreds of companies I have been on the road with, I have seen how much participation benefits a company. It saves time and money, provides many valuable connections and insights, accelerates and expands new business opportunities. And what I actually find time and again the most enjoyable outcome of a mission is that the participating companies start working with each other and then achieve so much more. As a result, I have already seen many great initiatives emerge, including in Colombia. Everything hinges on good matchmaking and quality visits. Together with the Holland House in Colombia, we work together to make the best matches between company and local entrepreneur.

What do you hope companies take away from this mission?

"That sustainability starts with people. Learning with each other, understanding each other and building a better chain together. That not only delivers impact, but also new business."