E-Course Food Systems Finance

The e-course Food System Finance was initiated by the Netherlands Food Partnership and compiled in cooperation with Wageningen University & Research, Fair & Sustainable Consulting and a reference group of public & private finance professionals and supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.

Food Systems Finance looks fundamentally at how public and private finance influence socio-economic, environmental and food security & nutrition outcomes of the food system. These influences can be both positive and negative. In this course we explore how the public and private financial sector can contribute to shifting undesirable food outcomes towards positive results.

Reversely, food systems can also influence the financial sector. Risks in the food system may affect financial portfolios, through physical risks, reputation risks and transition risks. In the e-course we look into this, and reflect on how finance professionals can assess and mitigate risks in the food system.

Food systems finance is a relatively new topic: it does not have standing practices yet, nor standardized procedures, and it is developing year by year. By participating in this course, you will be part of a frontrunners group, charting new territory and developing new solutions.

The course is built up in four modules. In each module, you will find short blocks, combining theory with practice. Some blocks contain reading materials, others are shaped in the form of short videos or infographics. We kept the compulsory material short and to-the-point, and made suggestions for further reading if you want to go deeper.

Course participants can complete each of the modules at a time of their convenience in the indicated week. In week 1 and week 3 we intend to have an on-line plenary session with all particpants.

Who should join this first Food Systems Finance E-Course?

The e-course is designed for professionnals from the public and private financial sector. Are you a professional from the public or private financial sector or engaged in blended financial solutions, please apply through this link.