Longreads Wageningen University & Research
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Re-rooting the Dutch food system: from more to better
23 June 2020 - Longread - What does a regenerative and nourishing food system in 2050 look like? This was the challenge for those participating in the Food Systems Vision Prize launched by the Rockefeller Foundation. Here, a team of farmers, representatives of nature and agricultural organizations and scientists of Wageningen University & Research, led by Imke de Boer (Professor of Animal Production Systems) and Evelien de Olde (researcher Animal Production Systems), present their food vision for their area of choice ‘the Netherlands’, and identified which changes are needed to get there. -
Breakthrough in global data exchange on plant breeding
11 June 2020 - Longread - Access to data is crucial for the huge growth in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. No data means no applications. There has recently been a breakthrough - two in fact - that may open up for use the stores of experimental data from companies, government bodies and research institutes that have to date largely been closed off. This paves the way to efficient and transparent research into better crops that are, for example, more resistant to climate change, or require fewer pesticides. Read about how WUR contributes to Open Science. -
The Dutch food system post-coronavirus
05 June 2020 - Longread - Every crisis leaves behind traces. That is what crises do. The coronavirus crisis is no exception, although when it comes to our food system, it is hard to predict which aspects will soon be seen as ‘pre-coronavirus’ and which ‘post-coronavirus’. Doing more things online – from videoconferencing to ordering food – may well stay with us for some time to come, now that we have been forced to learn how to do them. But will that also be true of the increased demand for more sustainable and healthier products and shopping trips to the local farmer? -
Applying a food system approach: the key to Zero Hunger in 2030
21 April 2020 - Longread - Increasing food production is not in itself the solution to eliminating hunger and malnutrition worldwide. So how can we best achieve the Zero Hunger sustainable development goal by 2030? A major research programme at Wageningen University & Research aims to ensure sufficient healthy food for everyone in 2030, while also taking into account people’s wellbeing, the economy and the environment. -
This is how green the Netherlands could be in 100 years
17 December 2019 - Longread - In 100 years from now, the Netherlands will be a land of green cities, circular agriculture, and more forests, water and swamps. A climate-proof Netherlands of this description is not just desirable but also feasible, say the Wageningen researchers Michael van Buuren and Martin Baptist. -
A green environment: good for your health
04 December 2019 - Longread - Whether a short stroll or spending hours wandering in nature, growing vegetables together in a community vegetable garden or working in an office full of plants: a green environment feels good. And greenery IS good. Contact with nature increases happiness and reduces stress. It promotes vitality and creativity and stimulates human interaction. That is why researchers at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are working on a number of Green Impact for Health projects. -
The packaging of food: how to minimalise environmental impact
18 November 2019 - Longread - Plastic waste littering on the roadside, packaging on river banks, plastic ravaging the oceans and their inhabitants. Campaign groups such as the Plastic Soup Foundation are debating the use of plastic packaging for (fresh) food while public opinion is clearly turning against plastic. Is packaging really necessary? And, if so, what is the most sustainable option? Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is studying the balance between effective material use for packaging and reducing food waste as it searches for the most sustainable overall solution. -
Preserving Nature: Artificial Intelligence against Green Violence
31 October 2019 - Longread - Today I feel kinship with a man who defended on this exact date his views and beliefs against fierce opposition of other men who – with tooth and claw – defended their views and beliefs. I refer to Martin Luther who in 1517 nailed his 95 propositions challenging the Roman Catholic Church to the door of the University of Wittenberg in Germany. That is 502 years ago today. -
Regional collaboration: investing in a circular economy
04 October 2019 - Longread - The Netherlands is at the start of a transition towards a circular economy. That’s why Wageningen researchers are looking for opportunities and solutions, do’s and don’ts. For example, Wageningen University & Research is the coordinator of a large European project in which nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen are recycled from manure, as an important step towards closing cycles. -
Nature as the inspiration for climate solutions
23 September 2019 - Longread - Technological solutions alone will not provide long-term answers to climate change and environmental problems. If we want to be climate-proof in the future, we need to draw on the power of nature. Nature-Based Solutions are a new focal point in the global effort to deal with climate change. They fit perfectly with the ambitions of Wageningen University & Research.