Nimble NGO Global recognition through innovation The absence of proven pathways of change characterises many areas in the food system. To meet this challenge, Rikolto experiments on different levels with the purpose of deepening its understanding of how to bring about transformational changes.
What will we eat tomorrow?
Innovation has always been in the DNA of Rikolto. Nowadays, we especially foster innovation in the agrifood business to mainstream sustainable and inclusive business models.
Wanted: Food for the Future Food for the Future is a unique co-creative project of 4 partners from different backgrounds: civil society (Rikolto), private sector (Belgium’s biggest retailer: Colruyt Group), research (University of Leuven) and government (Belgian Province of Flemish Brabant). Together with young people and farmers, we enter in a constructive debate on ways to feed the growing world population sustainably. We start from practice, embracing and unravelling the complexity around 3 concrete future-proof food systems: quinoa in Peru, seaweed in Indonesia and pulses in Tanzania. These products should be relevant to the development of the local market; have a social, economic and/or ecological added value for the local producer; and have an added value for the consumer. Involving consumers in the project is crucial, and particularly tomorrow’s consumers: youth. We literally take the product to youngsters’ plates and put their critical opinion to value. www.rikolto.org/en/project/food-future
The incredible variety of food on our plates is not to be taken for granted. To keep up with the ever-growing world population in a changing climate, the food sector needs more stable supply chains to provide affordable food for all, today and tomorrow. This challenge is critical: • Urban areas are rapidly expanding. Global food production will need to increase by 50% in the next decades. • 70% of fresh water is used for agriculture. Soil quality and water resources are depleting. • Low prices and poverty are forcing farmers from the land. Young people are turning their backs on agriculture.
Contact Chris Claes, Executive Director Rikolto International Blijde Inkomststraat 50, 3000 Leuven, Belgium +32 16 31 65 80 chris.claes@rikolto.org rikolto.org Rikolto
Rikolto (formerly VECO) believes smallholder farmers are a big part of the solution. Together they produce 70% of our food worldwide, but individually they are often cut out of the trade, ending up in poverty and leaving their huge potential untapped. Change on a global scale demands that food markets become more inclusive and offer value to all actors in the food chain. Smallholder farmers must be offered a fair deal.
Our story
Changing the recipe of our food system
• Transparency is key: our annual report is made according to the sustainability framework of the Global Reporting Initiative. • A large social base supports Rikolto in Belgium, with about 6,000 people volunteering during our annual campaign and 2,000 participants to various fundraising events.
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• Achievement of EFQM label “Recognised for Excellence” for quality care and continuous improvement in management and administration.
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• A committed 9 member international Board successfully guided the transition from a traditional top-down structure into a nimble networked organisation to maximise the impact of our programmes.
• Active in 8 commodities worldwide, amongst others rice, coffee, cacao and vegetables.
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• An annual operating budget of 11,000,000 euro in 2018, made possible by the support of our donors: the Belgian DirectorateGeneral Development Cooperation, and a growing number of national and international foundations.
families across 15 countries.
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• A global team of 158 employees based in 8 offices across the world.
• 88 partner organisations supported annually, reaching over 100,000 farmer
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• An independent Belgian INGO with more than 40 years of experience in partnering with farmer organisations and food chain actors across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Upscaling of successful practices and policies Inspiring sector wide change
Connecting farmers with innovators in the food industry and exploring new ways of doing business
Developing mechanisms of trust and transparency throughout the value chain
Empowering farmer groups to become solid business partners
Food Smart city policies Future-proof food systems Climate-smart practices Effective commodity platforms © Isabel Corthier