The Stichting Streekeigen Producten Nederland (SPN – Foundation Regional Products Netherlands) was founded in the late 1990s by six regional label organisations to promote regional products and short chains. The organisation manages the label "Erkend Streekproduct” (Accredited Regional Product) to distinguish the regional products that are sustainable and strengthen regional economy, culture, environment and animal welfare. Currently, label management revenues do not cover the cost of the multitude of functions that SPN performs. Moreover, SPN indicates that it is struggling to commit people and organisations to the initiative.

The aim of this study is to gain insight into what the future ideally looks like for SPN, and to give advice on the strategic options towards a future-proof organisation. The main research question is: Are there (and if so, which) changes needed for a future-proof SPN?

PN wants to reconsider the functions it now fulfils; and evaluate whether the added value it offers, including the built-up network that provides information, experience and contacts, meets demand from regions and national organisations. The question is which organisational form best suits the SPN, given that the different activities have a different character.

With the results from two workshops with the participation of the SPN regional labels, from desk research and semi-structured interviews, the researchers have formulated a number of scenarios, on the basis of which the current organisational form is examined.