What does food transition look like at the local level? Wim Oosterwijk is working to make it tangible. Since 2022, Wim Oosterwijk has served as alderman for the municipality of Barneveld, where he is responsible for economic affairs and food policy. Located in the heart of the Dutch Foodvalley region, Barneveld has deep agricultural roots, with much of its SME-driven economy closely connected to farming and food production. In this role, Wim focuses on guiding the municipality through a time of major transitions—supporting the evolution of agriculture, strengthening the regional food economy, and balancing innovation with stewardship of the environment.

Before entering public office, Wim built a long career after completing his master’s degree in economics, working at the largest public transport company in the Netherlands. There, he focused on the complex interaction between public and private interests, both nationally and internationally. Since moving into the public sector in 2018, he has applied that experience to local governance—working to create the conditions for sustainable economic development while helping Barneveld navigate the future of food, energy, and land use.

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