About Wageningen Social & Economic Research

Wageningen Social & Economic Research provides the insights and strategies needed to transform global agrifood systems. We empower policymakers and decision-makers in agrifood to drive transitions toward a fair and just food system for a healthier, more equitable future.

Striving for a safe and just food system

Current food systems are neither sustainable nor equitable, exceeding planetary boundaries and excluding vulnerable groups from taking part in a sustainable and inclusive food system. Transforming these systems is crucial to ensure equitable access to healthy food, sustainable practices, and fair livelihoods.

At Wageningen Social & Economic Research, we work with partners around the globe to provide evidence-based insights, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and systemic change. Our goal is to create food systems that are fair, just, and within planetary boundaries.

How we can help

Building on our in-depth and extensive knowledge of agriculture, sectors, and systems, we highlight the dependencies, options, choices, scenarios, and dilemmas on the pathways towards fair and sustainable agricultural and food systems.

Explore our expertises

Why work with us?

Why work with us? Wageningen Social & Economic Research collaborates with diverse partners worldwide, including international agencies, governments, NGOs, research institutes, and agri food businesses in over 60 countries. With a proven track record, we specialise in policy analysis, impact evaluations, scenarios, market and chain research, consumer behaviour, and analysing how systems can be transformed, delivering insights to drive informed decision-making globally.

Part of the Social Sciences Group

Part of the Social Sciences Group Wageningen Social & Economic Research was established through the merger of Wageningen Economic Research and Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation.

Within Wageningen University & Research and together with the university’s Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen Social & Economic Research is part of the Social Sciences Group. The Social Sciences Group comprise the entire knowledge chain of fundamental scientific research, applied scientific research and consultancy and capacity building. As a result, Wageningen Social & Economic Research provides access to this comprehensive range of expertise.