From the Board of the University: UG signs agreement to promote Healthy Local Food

On Monday 23 June, the University of Groningen (UG) signed an agreement to promote Healthy Local Food, an initiative launched by the Province of Groningen, the Municipality of Groningen, and the innovation programme Fascinating. By signing the agreement, the UG commits to the goal of bringing together the production and consumption of healthy food from the region.

The agreement is the result of discussions between the Province, the Municipality, and the innovation programme Fascinating about opportunities for collaboration in the regional food chain. The initiators engaged in conversations with farmers, food processing companies, restaurant owners, supermarkets, and other buyers, which set in motion a shared commitment to work together and take concrete steps.

Healthy eating

For the three initiators, it is important to connect the countryside more closely with the city and to stimulate more economic activity in Groningen. The focus is on food with high nutritional value and on achieving a balance between plant-based and animal-based products.

Regional chain

The aim is to form a regional chain with balanced earning potential and strong cooperation. This will contribute to a sustainable level of health and wellbeing for the residents of the province of Groningen. Initial research showed that stable demand and supply of regional products are particularly important for setting up and maintaining the chain. The partners in the agreement will use their purchasing power to stimulate this demand.

Partners

Other partners in the agreement include Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the UMCG, and ZINN. Supporting partners include Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, VNO-NCW, MKB Noord, and the Groningen Nature and Environment Federation.