The Zuid-Veluwe region, a naturally connected watershed of rivers and streams, was officially designated as the first Bioregion of the Netherlands on 7 October 2025. The municipalities of Arnhem, Wageningen, Renkum, and Ede are joining forces with civil society partners to jointly build a fair, healthy, and sustainable food system. They are working together with farmers, businesses, residents, knowledge institutions, and the Province of Gelderland. With the Bioregion Zuid-Veluwe, the region becomes a leading example for the organic and agroecological transition in the Netherlands.

The power of collaboration

In a Bioregion, governments, farmers, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and residents work together to increase local organic production and consumption. Which specific forms of collaboration are pursued is decided jointly. This may include supporting farmers in transitioning to organic production and marketing their products, increasing the share of organic food in catering for schools, healthcare institutions, and governments, and strengthening residents’ connection to the landscape—for example through food forests, picking gardens, and local markets, as well as through recreation and tourism.

A festive kick-off in Doorwerth

The official launch took place at Organic Farm Veld en Beek in Doorwerth, owned by organic farmer Jan Wieringa, during the national Week of Our Food (4–11 October 2025). The Province of Gelderland and the initiators of Bioregion Gelderland inaugurated the Bioregion together with municipal representatives. The program—featuring a short theatre performance, a walk around the farm, and contributions from local farmers, residents, and administrators—highlighted the interconnectedness of agriculture, landscape, and community.

Alderman Eva van Esch of the Municipality of Arnhem says about the Bioregion:
“As Arnhem, we are eager to learn and keen to innovate. This is reflected in the more than 150 urban agriculture initiatives in our city and in the fact that we have a vision for nature-inclusive agriculture for the next ten years, with concrete actions for the coming two years. It is important for animals, people, and the soil we live on that sustainable initiatives, such as organic farming, exist. Through this collaboration, we can stimulate and promote that.”

Alderman Erik-Jan Bijleveld of the Municipality of Wageningen adds:
“With the association StreekWaar, we already have a flourishing network of agroecological food producers and processors in the region. We want more farmers and market gardeners to be able to (further) increase their sustainability. For that, they must be able to sell their products. By working together with our neighboring municipalities in the Bioregion Zuid-Veluwe, we aim to further expand the market for local and sustainable food, thereby simultaneously strengthening our landscape.”

Another important wish expressed by those present is that the Bioregion should not only provide a sustainable food supply, but also be a source of pride and engagement for the community. In this way, citizens become more closely connected to their watershed and to one another, making the region vibrant and providing an important counterbalance to polarization.

Bioregions as drivers of the organic transition

The Bioregion Zuid-Veluwe aligns with the national Action Plan for the Growth of Organic Farming from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Supply and Nature (LVVN), as well as with the European ambition to have at least 15% of agricultural land farmed organically by 2030. The Province of Gelderland promotes the development of Bioregions as a driving force for the transition to sustainable agriculture and short food supply chains. Zuid-Veluwe is the first Bioregion in Gelderland, just as Zutphen previously became the first Biocity in the province. Both initiatives demonstrate how regions and municipalities in Gelderland can take a leading role in the organic transition. Preparations are also underway in other regions to follow this example.

A living region

The Bioregion Zuid-Veluwe symbolizes a movement in which people, land, and food are once again closely connected. Through cooperation between city and countryside, the region is growing into a place where healthy and sustainable organic food is accessible and close at hand for everyone.