Topsector Agri & Food
TKI Agri & Food is the Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation in the Dutch agri-food sector. It coordinates the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Agriculture, Water and Food, helps shape research programming, and supports the implementation of agreements made within national innovation policy in coordination with relevant ministries. The organization works across the Dutch agrifood ecosystem to stimulate innovation through research and innovation projects. Its focus spans fundamental and applied research as well as valorization, with the aim of linking scientific knowledge to practical impact for businesses, knowledge institutions, and society. TKI Agri & Food positions itself as a public-private platform that helps the sector address major societal challenges while strengthening the economic position of Dutch agriculture and food. Core Values Innovation : The organization emphasizes creating new knowledge and turning it into practical solutions through research, project funding, and collaboration. Public-private collaboration : Its model is built on cooperation between businesses, knowledge institutions, and government bodies, which it presents as essential to solving sector challenges. Sustainability : TKI Agri & Food repeatedly highlights climate-neutral production, circularity, reuse of side streams, reduced food waste, and lower environmental impact. Health and food quality : The agenda also stresses the importance of healthy, safe, and sustainable food for a growing population. Economic strength : Alongside societal goals, the organization values maintaining strong business models and reinforcing the international competitiveness of the Dutch agrifood sector. Unique Aspects National mission-driven role : TKI Agri & Food operates within the Dutch mission-driven innovation policy and coordinates work across the Agriculture, Water, and Food agenda. Broad project portfolio : The organization states that it has supported around 500 large and small research and innovation projects, including TKI, MIT, NWO, and EU projects. Cross-sector mission structure : Its agenda is organized around six missions and key technologies, translated into multi-year mission-driven innovation programs (MMIPs). Annual AgriFoodTop event : TKI Agri & Food organizes the AgriFoodTop, a recurring networking event for the Dutch agrifood sector. Sector-wide ecosystem role : The organization connects companies, universities, research centers, governments, and social organizations, and presents this collaboration as a core strength of the Dutch agrifood system.