The story of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
Seen from the air, the Dutch landscape is like a patchwork quilt. It’s only when you zoom in that you see how many different activities are going on in our country’s limited space. Agriculture, fisheries, nature, people and animals – all connected with each other and with the rest of the world. This interplay is our area of expertise.
Safe, sustainably produced food in sufficient quantities
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature works to ensure that everyone has access to safe, sustainably produced food in sufficient quantities. We firmly believe that the Netherlands’ innovative strength in food production can be used to make strides towards sustainability. We share our knowledge with other countries. In this way we contribute to the health of our planet and to the welfare of animals and people.
A robust natural environment
We are also committed to conserving and protecting the natural environment. As a ministry, we also work to ensure the natural integrity of conservation areas, large watercourses, rural areas and cities. This enhances the quality of the countryside and of cities as pleasant places to live and work.
Agriculture, fisheries, food security and nature are connected
Agriculture, fisheries, food security and nature are closely interwoven. They can make each other stronger, but sometimes there are conflicting interests. What’s good for one isn’t always good for the other. Conflicting interests can be difficult to reconcile and can even lead to polarisation in society. Addressing this is an important aspect of our work.
Shaping the future together
Our role is to clarify differences and dilemmas, and to encourage dialogue about them. To this end, we always try to work with parties across society. We chart a course by making policy. And we draft rules and regulations that are enforced by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
We share our expertise and our findings with political actors so that they can make informed decisions. We also approach partners outside the Netherlands to work on joint solutions to challenges such as climate change. And we exert influence on policy processes and decision-making in the international arena.
Sustainable food production, a valuable natural environment and thriving rural areas are our daily work. For current and future generations. We are the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.