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Juan Felipe Camacho Mancheno Wins Fourth Edition of the Adri den Dekker Prize

Juan Felipe Camacho Mancheno, a fourth-year International Food & Agribusiness student at HAS green academy, has been announced as this year’s proud winner of the Adri den Dekker Prize. This prestigious award, presented annually by HAK, challenges students to develop the best ideas to make agriculture more sustainable and future-proof. The prize also includes a €2000 scholarship.

In his essay, Juan reflected on how humanity interacts with nature and the food system. He looked back at the past and issued a powerful call to learn from previously made choices and to reform the food system in a more sustainable way. During his presentation, he inspired the audience with insights from his essay Beyond the supermarket: A vision for sustainable food systems such as: "The moment we thought we understood how nature worked, we positioned ourselves as rulers of the world" and "The same ingenuity that got us here in the first place, can get us out to a better future."

He summarises his own essay: "In my essay I discussed how our understanding of nature has led to a sense of entitlement, driving us to exploit the environment. I also talked about the need to shift this mindset towards one that fosters a deeper connection with our food systems through education, community farming and support for sustainable agricultural practices.”

Publication date
28-01-2025

The other nominees Yael van Leijenhorst and Abdyyunus Isayev wrote captivating essays.

Yael about her essay: “My essay tells the story of a woman who built a fair, sustainable supermarket chain, transforming the Dutch food system. Her business model supported farmers, provided affordable housing, and fostered community-driven impact. Over time, her vision expanded beyond food into social change. She urges people to pursue bold ideas and measure success by their positive impact on others around you, instead of just money.”

Abdyyunus constructed an engaging story: "My story was about my vision of a future-proof agricultural system in the Netherlands and what is my own role in this. I highlighted a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Despite all the current challenges such as political struggles, environmental and social challenges, sustainability will be achieved with one step at a time and every individual has a role in it. In this vision, I saw myself embracing the role of an advocate for sustainable innovation, working to bridge the gap between technology and farming communities.”

The jury, composed of Adri den Dekker (former Director of Procurement, Agriculture, and Sustainability at HAK), Frederike Praasterink (Professor of Future Food Systems), and Joachim Nieuwhoff (Procurement Director at HAK), selected Juan as the winner.

You are not only describing the problems in our current system, but showing us a path forward.

Jury chair Adri den Dekker praised Juan's essay: "You are not only describing the problems in our current system, but showing us a path forward." He added: "You highlight the most important part: change is possible, and our strength is our adaptability."

On behalf of HAS green academy and HAK: congratulations, Juan!

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