How WCFV came to be originated And how we have grown (and continue to grow)
History of origin
In 2024, we’ll celebrate our 10th anniversary! But our history goes back even further. From a small group of people helping international employees come to the Netherlands, we have grown into a well-oiled team. From seasoned immigration counselors to knowledgeable back office staff. Read more about how we got here and how we have grown.
2005
Scattered islets
At Wageningen University & Research, each knowledge unit handled its own immigration process for new international employees. Everyone was pioneering and looking for the right information and procedures for specific cases.
2010
Central post IA&S
The decision was made to join forces. Thus, from now on, everything was centrally controlled. This was done under the name ‘International Advice and Support’ (IA&S). With the experience gained, the processes ran smoother and smoother, and expats went to work happier. Which was a win-win situation for everyone.
2010
Emergence of Food Valley
In July 2010, eight municipalities decided to cooperate. Wageningen, Ede, Veenendaal, Rhenen, Nijkerk, Renswoude, Barneveld and Scherpenzeel from now on formed Region Food Valley. This region is home to many organizations focused on sustainable food supplies.
2013
Expat center for the region
Due to the international nature of the Food Valley, more and more employees came to this region from all over the world.
For example, around the year 2013, there was a desire from the province and the municipality of Wageningen for an expat center focused on the Food Valley.
2014
Special foundation
With the knowledge and experience of IA&S, the center of expertise ‘ Expat Center Food Valley (ECFV)’ was established in 2014 . This financially independent foundation was established by: Municipality of Wageningen, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Keygene, Food Valley NL and Province of Gelderland.
It became an extraordinary expat center. One of the first in the Netherlands, ECFV had in-house desks for both the municipality and the IND. Our good cooperation thus created a one-stop shop where expats could be helped quickly and smoothly with the entire immigration process.
“What has always been central is welcoming expats.. And to ensure that they are able to get a prosperous job with employers in the Food Valley”.
2015
Growth and expansion
ECFV proved to be a formula for success, so a period of growth followed. We served more and more expats, companies and agencies. Naturally, this meant that more and more immigration counselors were needed, and so the number of employees grew.
We also entered into new collaborations. To best serve companies and their international employees, we carefully selected partner companies to work with.
2022
Special programs
For the international employee, the immigration process is much more than just paperwork. It is a life-changing step. To support this, the request came from WUR and others to expand our services. This is how our special programs were created that help expats settle in the Netherlands. We support with the search for housing and school for the children and assist partners of expats when they too are looking for a job in the Netherlands.
During this period, the Welcome Desk established. When expats have questions about their new environment, they can walk in here.
2022
Name change and relocation
With the expansion of our services, we were ready for a new name: Welcome Center Food Valley.
WCFV ensures a speedy immigration process so that international employees can quickly start working for Dutch companies. Therefore, our motto is a “happy landing & living.
In this year, we were also busy moving. In 2014 the team consisted of only 4 people; by now the number had doubled. As a result, it was time for a bigger office and we moved to the brand new Plus Ultra II building.
Hier kun je een timelapse vinden van de bouw van het pand: Timelapse Plus Ultra II - Wageningen - YouTube
2024
10th anniversary of WCFV
WCFV has grown rapidly courtesy of our committed and dedicated staff. A lot has happened. In 10 years, we changed from ECFV to WCFV, moved, expanded our services and welcomed new employees.
It was an inspired decade. Therefore, we will certainly celebrate our
On to the next 10 years!
Happy in the Food Valley
100
We have helped over
clients
with their procedures
in 2023
