This minor empowers students to become changemakers in the agri-food sector, connecting their personal values with meaningful action. By exploring complex food systems and sustainability transitions, students gain the insights and tools needed to understand how the food sector can evolve towards a more resilient and responsible future.

FFS encourages students to develop creative ideas that support sustainable transformation and identify new business opportunities by combining systems thinking, innovation, and value-based leadership. This module is your gateway to shaping the future of food and making a real impact on the world!

About the programma

Are you ready to become a changemaker in the global food system? This transformative module will immerse you in the world of sustainable food systems innovation, equipping you with the necessary tools, knowledge, and leadership skills to drive meaningful change.

You will explore:

1. System Transitions & Future Scenarios: Understand how food systems evolve and learn how to guide transitions towards sustainability by engaging with stakeholders such as governments, businesses, academia, and civil society.
2. Economic Innovation for Sustainability: Discover practical tools such as True Cost Accounting and sustainability reporting frameworks. These tools can be used to evaluate impact and redesign agri-food systems into more circular and resilient models.
3. Research for Impact: Conduct independent research on a topic that inspires you and contribute to innovation in sustainable food production and consumption.
4. Value-Based Leadership Development: Strengthen your leadership abilities by connecting your personal values with your professional actions to empower you to inspire change in the agri-food sector.

Why join?

• Gain practical insights into real-world sustainability challenges and solutions.
• Collaborate with experts and like-minded peers who are passionate about innovating the food system.
• Develop the vision, skills and tools to lead the transition towards sustainable food systems worldwide.

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This module contributes to the following learning goals:

• Analyse food systems from a transition perspective.
• Contribute to the redesign of sustainable future food systems.
• Contributing to innovation in sustainable agri-food production and consumption in a global context.
• Identify opportunities in agri-food markets and international supply chains, contributing to new business development.
• Promote the implementation of transitions in the global agri-food sector.
• Evaluate personal talents and competencies, reflect on ethical issues, and develop personal leadership.
• Organise and execute projects, collaborating effectively with teams and external clients.
• Design and carry out applied research.

HAS students and students from other Dutch institutions:

• A propaedeutic diploma.
• At least 52 ECTS from year 2 and 30 ECTS from year 3 (preferably by an internship).

These credits must be obtained within the IFA programme or a related Bachelor’s programme in agriculture, agribusiness, food production, or environmental studies.

International admissions:

• A minimum of three years of bachelor’s-level higher education, with at least 75% of the programme completed.
• Completion of at least one major practical assignment or traineeship.

These completed credits must form part of a programme related to agriculture, agribusiness, food production, or environmental studies. Final admission is subject to approval by the module team.

Course Manual, 2026   Steeg, van de J.

Strengths Finder 2.0    Rath, T.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Covey (2013, or later)

The Future Food Systems (FFS) module combines interactive learning with hands-on experiences. You will have two days of on-campus activities each week (for example Monday and Friday), including lectures, workshops, and tutor sessions. The remaining days are dedicated to individual study, project work, and research. On selected days, you will also participate in company visits and excursions, giving you the opportunity to explore real-world examples of sustainable practices and connect with professionals in the agri-food sector. This balanced approach supports learning, collaboration, and practical experience.

Testing 

​​Assessment in this module is based on several components that reflect both your individual learning and project work. You will be evaluated through a reflection report (15%), a research report (35%), and a project report (50%). Active participation in classes, excursions, and activities is also expected throughout the module.

Final grades are awarded on the Dutch grading scale from 1 to 10.

In addition to the potential cost of acquiring the literature mentioned above, you should budget for excursion and activity fees of around €50.