Samenvatting

This thesis was written for Kenniscentrum Nelles. This company is an expertise centre for local food. Kenniscentrum Nelles focusses on bundling knowledge and experiences about local food in the Achterhoek. The company gains knowledge and insight about local food in practice and applies this in new and existing projects. Besides, Kenniscentrum Nelles also offers advice and guidance for new and existing food projects in the Achterhoek and Liemers. Since 2014, the Achterhoek is one of the nine shrinking areas in the Nederlands. This means that the younger generation is leaving, birth rates are decreasing, death rates are increasing and medium-small sized enterprises are experiencing pressure. The Achterhoek would like to become a vital, economically powerful and future-proof region again. The facts show that 78% of the Achterhoek is used by agriculture and that the food industry contributes 17,7% to the total employment and 13,6% to the total income. Therefore, there is a promising connection between the tourism sector and the food chains in the Achterhoek. The development of the Achterhoek as an international distinctive food destination can contribute to the vitality of the region in the future. Therefore, a strategic food destintion development plan has been created.