Assessing ongoing sustainability transitions: The state of food system transition in the Netherlands

The urgency for sustainability transitions in food systems is well-recognised and, relatedly, there is an impetus to gauge food systems’ relative progress towards sustainability objectives. Yet, given food system complexity, assessing food system transition is exceedingly difficult. Responding to this tension, the aim of this paper is to develop a stakeholder assessment of the state of sustainable food system transition in the Netherlands using the X-curve framework, a model that visualizes the interplay of growth and destabilization in food system transitions. In order to reach our aim, we conducted four stakeholder workshops, using the X-curve model to position relevant developments and initiatives. Thematic analysis showed a broad scope of relevant developments and initiatives, but also stagnation. Four transition pathways became visible with distinct transition dynamics: protein transition, regenerative farming practices, alternative food networks, and circular practices. The X-curve framework was found to be a useful tool. However, there are points of caution, including the disparate nature of contributions, and limitations in stakeholder representation. Nonetheless, a stakeholder assessment using the X-curve framework is valuable for transition actors as it can help to identify different transition pathways, with distinct transition dynamics and speed. In addition, visualising growth, decline, and stagnation helps to pinpoint where efforts need to be directed to move upward and downward curves forward. By highlighting transition pathways and the associated dynamics, this study can inform policy and other food system stakeholders on interventions aimed at promoting transition to a more sustainable food system.