We’d love to
welcome you back!
September 9, 2025

Dual Career Progress, Support & Community Day | 2025

Dual Career

Progress, Support & Community Day

Reflection, deeper insight, support, and connection

Are you a past participant of the Dual Career Program? We’d love to welcome you back!

We’re organizing a special follow-up day filled with reflection, practical support, and meaningful connections. The Dual Career Progress, Support & Community Day is designed for everyone who has taken part in our Dual Career workshops over the past few years. Whether you joined last year or more recently, this day is for you.

Registration is only possible for (former) participants of the Dual Career Program.
If you are interested in the program, please contact us, we are happy to tell you more.

The region includes eight municipalities:

A diverse and growing population

The Food Valley Region is home to more than 350,000 residents, representing over 150 nationalities. The international community continues to grow, fueled by the presence of universities, research institutes, and international companies.
Why this region stands out:

Home to leading global food companies and research institutes
A strong focus on innovation and sustainability
Vibrant international community of students, researchers, and professionals
Located centrally, with easy access to major Dutch cities and international airports
A growing number of startups and scale-ups driving change in the food system

Living in the Food Valley

Beyond its reputation in science and business, the region offers an excellent quality of life:

Green landscapes and national parks
Family-friendly towns and cities with good schools, healthcare, and housing
Cultural events, international education, and a welcoming atmosphere

The Food Valley Region is where knowledge, entrepreneurship, and sustainability meet. Whether you’re looking to work, study, innovate or settle — this is the place to grow.
Have you experienced the Food Valley yet? We’d love to hear your story!
Welcome to Regio Foodvalley | Regio Foodvalley – English

Program

The full program is currently being finalized and will be shared here soon.

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This day is designed to bring together past participants in an informal and inspiring setting. You’ll get the chance to:

Reconnect with fellow participants and expand your network
Hear from inspiring guest speakers
Take part in interactive break-out sessions to reflect and exchange tips
Ask questions and receive tailored support as you move forward

Whether you’re working, volunteering, actively job hunting, or still exploring your options, we’ll shape the day to fit a variety of experiences and goals.

Please register

Please register in advance, this helps us plan the sessions, catering, and materials properly.

We hope to see you there!

Participants Dual Career Program

Barneveld

Ede

Nijkerk

Renswoude

Rhenen

Scherpenzeel

Veenendaal

Wageningen

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Spotlight on Barneveld: A municipality with a rich history and vibrant community

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, the municipality of Barneveld is known for its deep-rooted agricultural traditions, diverse population, and strong sense of community.

🐔 Facts about the municipality Barneveld:

9 villages, including Voorthuizen, Kootwijkerbroek, and Garderen
Approximately 65,000 residents
176 km² of forests, farmlands, and growing business parks
Famous for its poultry industry — Barneveld is known nationwide as the ‘chicken capital’ of the Netherlands!
The name Barneveld likely comes from the old Dutch words ‘bern’ (children or young people) and ‘veld’ (field)

Would you like to know more about Barneveld’s history, funfacts and tips:

More municipal spotlights coming soon!

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Get to know Ede: where history meets nature

Located near the Veluwe, one of the largest and most scenic national parks in the Netherlands, Ede is the perfect place for nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists. But there’s more to discover than just greenery!

Facts about Ede:

Approximately 124,000 residents, of which ~79,000 live in the town of Ede
Home to people from nearly 140 nationalities
Around 17% of the population has a migration backgroun
Ede once had a cheese market with its own currency
The Doesburgermolen, the oldest windmill in the Netherlands still in use
Annual Airborne commemorations mark Ede’s role in Operation Market Garden (1944)

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Meet Nijkerk: A historic town with a modern outlook

Nestled on the edge of the Gelderland province, the municipality of Nijkerk offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, rich heritage, and strong economic activity.

Facts about Nijkerk:

With over 45,000 residents, Nijkerk includes the towns of Nijkerk, Nijkerkerveen, and Hoevelaken.
The name Nijkerk literally means ‘new church’, referring to a church built in the 13th century after a previous one was destroyed.
Despite its village feel today, Nijkerk has officially been a city for over 600 years! It received its city rights in 1413, making it one of the older cities in the Gelderland province.
The municipality covers around 73 km², combining urban living with peaceful rural surroundings.
The city of Nijkerk is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Grote Kerk (Great Church), a Gothic landmark built in 1756

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Discover Renswoude: A hidden Gem in the Food Valley Region!

The municipality of Renswoude only consists of the village of Renswoude, which is close-knit community of about 5,000 residents. Known for its scenic countryside, historic sites, and green spaces, it offers a perfect blend of small-town tranquility and easy access to bigger cities nearby.

Facts about Renswoude:

Renswoude Castle dates back to 1645 and is located right in the heart of Renswoude.
Renswoude lies along the historic Grebbelinie, an old Dutch defense line with forts and bunkers.
The area has charming walking paths called Klompenpaden, named after the traditional wooden shoes worn by farmers.
Renswoude is founded in the 18th century by Maria Duyst van Renswoude, this foundation was created to support technical education for poor boys in Dutch cities. The foundation still supports educational initiatives today.

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Explore Rhenen: from medieval walls to giant pandas

Nestled between the hills of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the banks of the Rhine River, the municipality of Rhenen is home to around 20,400 residents. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, Rhenen blends cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a strong community spirit.

Facts about Rhenen:

Rhenen received city rights in 1258 and still has remnants of its medieval city wall.
The name is likely linked to the Latin word ‘Rhenus’, used by the Romans for the Rhine River.
Rhenen is known for the Grebbeberg, the site of a key battle during World War II and now a national war cemetery.
In the 17th century, exiled King Frederick V of Bohemia built his summer palace, Het Koningshuis, here.
Rhenen is home to Ouwehands Zoo, one of the few places in Europe with giant pandas.

A picturesque town with deep roots and natural charm, Rhenen is truly a gem in the Food Valley region.

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Discover Scherpenzeel: small-scale charm with a rich past

Scherpenzeel is a small but lively municipality on the border of Utrecht and Gelderland. It combines a rich medieval past with a peaceful, rural setting.

Facts about Scherpenzeel:

The name comes from ‘scarpenzele’, a house fortified with sharpened wooden stakes
Scherpenzeel Castle (14th century) is now the town hall
Lies along the historic Grebbe Line, a Dutch water defense system with bunkers still visible in the landscape
About 10,000 residents, all living in the village of Scherpenzeel

A small municipality with strong historic character and natural beauty — Scherpenzeel offers both tranquility and a deep sense of place.

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Get to know Veenendaal: a modern city with industrial roots

Located between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Gelderse Vallei, Veenendaal is a vibrant, medium-sized city. What began in the 16th century as a peat-cutting settlement has grown into one of the most accessible and forward-looking places in the region.

Facts about Veenendaal:

Over 68,000 residents, making it one of the larger municipalities in the Food Valley region
Founded in the 16th century for peat extraction (‘veen’ in Dutch)
Originally split between 2 towns, and even 2 different provinces: the southern half belonged to Rhenen (Utrecht), the northeastern half to Ede (Gelderland)
Known in the 19th and 20th centuries for its flourishing textile industry
The most common surname in Veenendaal is ‘Beek’ (meaning brook/stream)

Information about the municipalities in the Food Valley region:

Wageningen in focus: innovation, nature, and international community

Wageningen is a unique municipality where science, history, and global culture come together. Known worldwide for its prestigious university and symbolic role at the end of WWII, Wageningen continues to shape both the past and future of the Netherlands.

Facts about Wageningen:
Approximately 39,000 residents, with about 18% being students, Wageningen has the highest student-to-resident ratio of any Dutch city
The German capitulation in the Netherlands was signed here on 5 May 1945, in Hotel De Wereld
Liberation Day (5 May) is marked each year with national celebrations and festivals
Surrounded by nature: the Uiterwaarden of the Rhine, the Veluwe, and botanical gardens
Known as the ‘City of Life Sciences’, and a key player in the Food Valley innovation ecosystem

In Wageningen, knowledge, sustainability, and international exchange are part of everyday life. A small city with a global impact.

We’d love to
welcome you back!
September 9, 2025

Dual Career