Frequently Asked Questions
What is Food Valley’s mission?
Food Valley aims to stimulate the innovative power of the Dutch agro-food cluster through a demand-driven combination of enterprise and knowledge. By making optimal use of the excellent Dutch knowledge infrastructure, Food Valley steps up the competitiveness of the Dutch business sector. Headquartered in Wageningen, Food Valley is located at the heart of a region with tremendous food expertise. Food Valley’s range of tailor-made services facilitates innovation.
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What does Food Valley do?
- We support innovation by individual food businesses by putting them in touch with the right knowledge suppliers. We mediate via Food Valley Innovation Link, a free service;
- We bring together businesses, research institutes and specialists in clusters focusing on specific issues. This method produces results that businesses can seldom achieve on their own;
- We promote the establishment of new food companies, both Dutch and foreign;
- We support the development of spin-offs and start-ups;
- We help businesses and research institutes draft project proposals and procure available funding;
- We publicize the great potential of the Food Valley region both nationally and internationally.
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How is Food Valley funded?
Food Valley’s office expenses are covered by different sources: the European Union (EFRO), the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Province of Gelderland, the municipalities of Wageningen, Ede, Rhenen, Veenendaal and Barneveld, Wageningen University and Research Center, and contributions from the Food Valley Society member companies. The projects are paid for through regional, national and EU innovation programs.
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What is Food Valley’s relationship to the government?
Food Valley maintains close ties with the different levels of government. In the field of regional development and (international) promotion, we see municipal, provincial and national governments as key partners. We cooperate closely with the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, the Science and Technology Attachés, the International Business and Cooperation agency (EVD) and the agricultural lobbies. Many Food Valley activities are funded by government. Local and regional governments are also represented on the Food Valley board.
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Is Food Valley a membership organization?
Formally, Food Valley is not a membership organization. However, in light of the important role played by the Food Valley Society, we operate like a membership organization in some respects.
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How can I become a member of Food Valley?
For more information, see Food Valley Society.
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How is Food Valley’s performance measured?
Food Valley and its stakeholders have agreed on a number of quantifiable performance indicators:
- the number of jobs created in the research heart of the Food Valley region as a direct result of Food Valley’s activities;
- the total investment in new business activity resulting directly from Food Valley’s activities;
- the number of innovations Food Valley has contributed to;
- the total investment in innovation projects that Food Valley is co-responsible for;
- the number of companies with innovation queries Food Valley assists;
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Can Food Valley fund my project?
Food Valley does not have a subsidy budget. We can help you find suitable subsidy programs for your project.
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What is Food Valley’s organizational structure?
Every day the Food Valley team engages in a wide range of activities to stimulate innovation, raise the profile of the Food Valley region, and promote communication. To find out who does what, see the Food Valley team. Our director answers to Food Valley’s Board.
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Does Food Valley organize guided tours?
Food Valley does not organize guided tours of the region. It does organize customized programs for business delegations seeking business partners or considering starting a business in the Food Valley region. More information? Visit Food Valley.
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