Toekomstboeren

About Toekomstboeren

Toekomstboeren is a Dutch association that makes the growing agro-ecological movement visible and represents the interests of small-scale farmers. It aims to help bring a broad, sustainable and socially just agricultural system closer, grounded in agro-ecological principles and food sovereignty.

The organization is built for and by future-oriented farmers. It works to give agro-ecological farmers a stronger place in agricultural policy, increase their visibility in society, and build trust among consumers, policymakers, investors, fellow farmers and local communities.

Core Values

• Agro-ecology: The association is explicitly guided by agro-ecological principles, which it sees as combining practice, science and social movement work across the whole food system.
• Food sovereignty: Toekomstboeren supports the right of people and communities to shape their own food and agricultural systems in a socially just and inclusive way.
• Social justice: Its work emphasizes fairer rules, equitable access to land, fair income and a more just position for small-scale farmers.
• Knowledge sharing: The organization values farmer-to-farmer learning, recognizing and developing practical knowledge through meetings, publications and alliances.
• Biodiversity and resilience: Its vision highlights diverse, place-based farming that uses local renewable resources wisely and strengthens ecological resilience.

Unique Aspects

• Farmer-led association: Toekomstboeren is organized for and by farmers, with members directly involved in shaping priorities, activities and policy positions.
• Strong land-focus: A major part of its work is helping farmers access land and campaigning for fairer pacht rules, including longer-term security and more community-oriented land use.
• Alliance building: It is part of wider agro-ecology networks and is a member of La Via Campesina, while also helping initiate the Federatie van Agro-ecologische Boeren.
• Broad movement role: Beyond advocacy, it combines practical knowledge exchange, research themes, publications and public actions to support systemic change in agriculture.