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 working to grow the market for natural farming. Alongside farmers, advisors, financiers, knowledge institutions and governments, we help align supply and demand more effectively.

We stand alongside farmers and share what works in practice, whether that be about cultivating without pesticides or securing clear sales agreements. We always keep the business model in mind, because natural farming pays off. For the soil and for the farmer.

Our ambition is to position the Netherlands’ at the forefront of biodiversity restoration with farming practices that are both environmentally and financially sustainable.

We stimulate demand for food produced by natural farmers By establishing long-term partnerships between companies and farmers
We guide conventional farmers in the transition to natural farming By opening up market opportunities and sharing practical knowledge
We work to shape legislations that works for natural farmers By showing policymakers what businesses and farmers need

Buy from farmers who are doing it right

Future Up has developed a national platform where food and beverage buyers can easily find farmers who actively strengthen nature and biodiversity: boerennatuurlijk.nl. Here, buyers are provided with a clear overview of who to source from, where they are located, and how they contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

To boerennatuurlijk.nl

This is what our 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 economy that works

From Fairtrade Original and Verstegen to Tony’s Chocolonely and Crisp: together we are building a better economy. We connect the right players, turn ambition into action, and create the conditions for sustainable market change.  Through practical programmes, strategic partnerships, and strong public affairs, we level the playing field and drive measurable impact. Ready to join?

Join us These partners are already on board

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 to transform markets. Our programmes in agriculture, circular textiles, and the construction and infrastructure sector show that real change is possible.

Each programme is designed to transform an entire sector. We currently focus on biodiversity in food and agriculture, circularity in textiles, and nature-inclusive practices in construction and infrastructure.

A Transition programme depends on multiple actors working together to solve a societal challenge. Future Up brings these parties together to make that happen.