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Dairy in Europe has undergone many changes in the last few years—the abolition of milk production quotas being a fundamental one. This study explores these changes in relation to the sustained social and environmental viability of the sector and how dairy processors' sustainability programs are a part of that. Regime change as outlined in transition theory enhanced through a sociological approach on actors informed this research. More specifically, the notion of obligatory passage points was used to explore the mechanisms through which dominant actors make certain actions mandatory and reify their status as indispensable. The thesis consists of three case studies: the dairy sectors in the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The cases trace the evolution of all sectors since the post-war era, outlining the dominant logic that has guided its development. The sustainability programs of three dairy processors—located in each of the case countries—are also part of the analysis. Data was collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The analysis shows that the post-war logic based on the increase of scale and intensification of dairying has continued to shape the development of the sector through today. While the visible impacts of intensive dairy have led to adaptations to the dominant rules and practices, these changes have not been fundamental in nature. The analysis of dairy processors and their sustainability programs revealed that these programs can be an additional tool for compliance to legal standards and the alleviation of pressing societal concerns. However, processors address social and environmentally relevant dairy-related challenges when an effective link to profit can be established. These programs have been unable to ensure that the dairy sector operates within established environmental limits and societal expectations, while providing a stable livelihood for farmers. This research contributes to the understanding of sustainability (agri-food) transitions by identifying the mechanisms through which the regime adapts to the shifting environment and dominant actors strive for their own continuity. It also adds to the debate about the role that incumbent actors can have in sustainability transitions—their involvement is important but they are unable to guide such processes. This study advances the empirical ground in sustainability transition studies by focusing on systems in which change is less likely to be technologically driven and where social change plays a larger role. Finally, this thesis connects past development, current challenges, and present engagement in a discussion about the future development of the dairy sector; this adds to the further conceptualization of the complexity and co-evolutionary nature of sustainability transitions.

This report presents the result of an online survey amongst key-stakeholders involved in the management planning and management of Natura 2000 sites in in England, Flanders, France and the Netherlands. The survey was held in a total of 91 sites and resulted in 464 (fully or partially) completed surveys (response rate was 20%). Overall, the results of the survey indicate that perceptions of actors in the area differ among actor groups, especially in regard to statements that measure impacts or value judgements. This result underlines the importance of including a broad range of stakeholders in the policy evaluations of the management of the area. Overall, the differences between the geographical areas are small, except on topics related to the discussion between the government and involved stakeholders were a moderate difference was found. Also the status of prior designation has a small effect on how respondents view the discussion on management. Dit rapport geeft de resultaten weer van een enquête gehouden onder partijen betrokken bij het beheerplanprocesof het beheer van Natura 2000 gebieden in Engeland, Vlaanderen, Frankrijk en Nederland. Deenquête is gehouden in 91 Natura 2000-gebieden en heeft in totaal 464 reacties opgeleverd (respons van 20%). Het onderzoek laat zien dat de betrokken partijen verschillend denken over de gevolgen van het beleid,vooral als hen stellingen worden voorgelegd over de grootte van de impact van Natura 2000, of als hen overwaardeoordelen wordt gevraagd. Dit onderstreept wederom het belang van het betrekken van verschillendepartijen bij de evaluatie van beleid. In het algemeen waren de verschillen tussen Engeland, Vlaanderen,Frankrijk en Nederland gering. Het verschil is echter groter waar het onderwerpen betreft die te makenhebben met de discussie tussen overheid en betrokken partijen over het beheer. Ook het al of niet hebbenvan een beschermde status reeds voor de aanwijzing tot Natura 2000-gebied heeft een gering effect op hetoordeel van respondenten

This study explores the possible consequences of a Brexit for Dutch agrifood chains. The UK is assumed to apply zero or low import tariffs for agricultural products. Whether that impacts Dutch exports, depends on the sector’s competitiveness. The Dutch agrifood sector, though, benefits from the UK’s vicinity and the sector’s efficient organisation of logistics, in particular for fresh products (such as cut flowers, vegetable, fruit, dairy and meat), which provide the sector a strong point of departure to maintain current positions at the British market after a Brexit.

Marktanalyse van zaadleverende bedrijven voor de groentesector in Nederland, Frankrijk, Engeland, Italie en China

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of agrarian policies in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA from 1846-1919.The author examines the evolution of agricultural policy and factors that motivate it. These factors are discussed in the context of the repeal of the Corn Laws to the First World War. This period was crucial in the failure of agriculture to establish itself as a profitable industry independent of government.

Marktanalyse van zaadleverende bedrijven voor de groentesector in Nederland, Frankrijk, Engeland, Italie en China

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of agrarian policies in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA from 1846-1919.The author examines the evolution of agricultural policy and factors that motivate it. These factors are discussed in the context of the repeal of the Corn Laws to the First World War. This period was crucial in the failure of agriculture to establish itself as a profitable industry independent of government.