Fragmentation is not only a challenge in emerging areas like regenerative agriculture. It is also a defining barrier in more established agricultural systems.
In the Netherlands, this challenge is increasingly visible. Multiple sustainability frameworks, data systems, and policy approaches coexist, each aiming to improve agricultural performance. Yet differences in definitions, indicators, and verification methods make it difficult to compare outcomes, align incentives, and reward progress.
True Value Language (TVL) was established to address this challenge.
Bringing together farmers, supply chain partners, financial institutions, and government, TVL focuses on aligning how sustainability performance is defined, measured, and used. It is not a new label or certification, but a foundation beneath existing initiatives, enabling comparability and coherence across the system.
Inventory Report complete
Together with Boerenverstand, an inventory of the Dutch agrofood landscape was conducted. The conclusion is clear: while many initiatives pursue similar goals, fragmentation limits impact, increases administrative burden, and slows the transition.
A shared language is therefore not a nice-to-have. It is a precondition for steering, collaboration, and reward.
3 Work streams launched
To move from analysis to implementation, three workstreams have been launched:
- Foundation – defining the purpose and scope of TVL
- Rules of the game – establishing how sustainability performance is measured and trusted
- Data in practice – ensuring data is collected once and used multiple times
This marks a shift from initiative to structure, from exploration to alignment.
What’s next
In the coming months, the steering group will define a concrete workplan for 2026–2027, marking the transition from a collaborative initiative to a more structured organisation.
NewForesight supports this process as transition architect and interim PMO, bringing stakeholders together, shaping the strategy, and translating ambition into implementation.
The relevance of this work extends beyond Dutch agriculture. Similar challenges around fragmentation and the need for shared definitions are visible across sectors, from food systems to circular electronics.
If sustainable markets are to scale, alignment is not optional. It is foundational.
This work is ongoing and requires continued collaboration across the system.
If you are interested in contributing or learning more, we would love to connect.