Who We Are
At Wageningen MFC, we are a passionate team of experts, both seasoned professionals and young changemakers, working together to rethink how we feed our cities. As a spin-off of Wageningen University & Research, we combine years of experience with fresh perspectives and the latest knowledge in food systems and sustainability.
Our mission is simple but ambitious: good food for everyone in a rapidly urbanising world. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we help co-design and develop Metropolitan Food Clusters, which are smart and sustainable networks that bring together governments, businesses, researchers, communities and citizens to reshape the way food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed.
We care deeply about creating systems that not only reduce harm to the planet but actively improve it. Our work supports climate action, biodiversity, and responsible resource use. That’s why we’ve developed Energy Island, a forward-looking concept that combines green energy, agri-food systems, and water management into self-sustaining, resilient ecosystems.
Our working process is rooted in co-design and continuous collaboration. Through step-by-step, iterative development, we work closely with stakeholders to turn visions into reality—from feasibility studies to full implementation and operation.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to the well-being of people and animals, and to building fair, resilient economies that work for all.
Since our founding in 2017, we have been part of the wider Wageningen knowledge ecosystem, working at the intersection of science, society, and innovation.
Our structure is inspired by the evolving role of universities in society. As traditional academic models face new pressures, the concept of the third-generation university is gaining ground—one where knowledge institutions are more closely connected to business and civil society. Wageningen MFC embraces this shift, contributing to real-world impact through collaboration and system innovation.
While WUR leads in education and research—ranked among the world’s best in agriculture and environmental science—Wageningen MFC focuses on applying that knowledge through the co-design of Metropolitan Food Clusters. Our work brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, governments, and NGOs to design sustainable, scalable food systems grounded in both cutting-edge research and local, practical know-how.
Our Structure
Wageningen MFC is built around three closely connected pillars: the Association, the Foundation, and Business. Together, they support our mission to drive sustainable innovation in the global agri-food system.
Association
The Wageningen MFC Association is a vibrant community where members come together to share knowledge, explore ideas, and contribute to the sustainable transformation of food systems.
It serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and learning.
Members can submit research proposals to the Wageningen MFC Foundation.
Regular Association Days offer opportunities to meet, exchange insights, and co-create solutions.
Foundation
The Wageningen MFC Foundation manages a revolving fund that reinvests part of the revenue from MFC projects into long-term research, education, and training.
It supports projects carried out by Wageningen University & Research and other institutions.
An independent research board oversees and reviews funded projects to ensure quality and alignment with our mission.
Business
Wageningen MFC Business is our commercial branch, delivering co-design projects for clients around the world.
It turns ideas into action by integrating insights, technologies, and expertise from Association members.
These projects apply the MFC approach in real-world settings to support sustainable, scalable food systems.