Water Transition Talks – Roundtable on the Future of Water in the Food Industry

During the Water Transition Talks, we bring together industry leaders, experts and innovators for an exclusive round table on the future of water in the food sector. This event is driven by a shared mission: ensuring clean and safe water, and sufficient availability – now and in the future.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Location: Business Center Johannes de Doper (Agora 4, Leeuwarden)

Why participate?

Within the Green Transition project, water and food are two of the three key pillars. Water plays a crucial role – not only in food production, but throughout the entire process chain, from cultivation and processing to cleaning, and even as an ingredient.

Although water is often perceived as abundant in the Netherlands, the future calls for more sustainable and efficient use. During this round table, we will explore both current practices and what is needed moving forward.

Topics include:

• Water as a resource, ingredient and necessity
• Current challenges in water and food
• Future perspectives and pathways to achieve them

Who should attend?

This round table is of interest to professionals in:

• The food industry and food processing
• Water technology
• Research and academia
• Government bodies and water authorities

Program highlights

During the first half of the program, several experts from the sector will share their insights and practical experiences:

Ruud Tamsma – Royal Smilde
Case study behind the Award Duurzaam Watergebruik Zakelijk 2025

Peter van der Maas – Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
Drinking water shortage in the Netherlands

Eva IJzermans – Haskoning
Thirsty Factories: understanding physical and regulatory water-related risks in the food and beverage sector

The program also includes:

• Round table discussions on:
  • Governance & economics
  • Technology & water quality
• Visit to the Food Application Center (FACT) and Water Application Center (WAC)
• Networking drinks

During this interactive session, we will explore solutions for water conservation, water reuse, circular processes, and the strategic choices the sector will need to make in the coming years.