From experiment to market development: A case study of prospects and value chain of saline agriculture in Terschelling, the Netherlands

Saline agriculture, understood as production of food and biomass on salt-affected soils, also including adaptive soil, water and crop management, is a promising climate-adaptive strategy. However, it is difficult to create a dedicated food chain and to develop a business model in the North Sea countries. This study aims to explore whether islands can be an incubator for saline agriculture by looking at a saline agriculture initiative on Terschelling, the Netherlands, which focusses on the touristic niche market. We conducted semi-structured interviews to map the value chain on the island and identify opportunities and constraints for its development. Drawing on the innovation theory, we analyse to what extent small islands can be considered a favourable niche for sustainability innovations such as saline agriculture. Our results confirm the potential for production and marketing of local saline food specialities on Terschelling, although the market and value chain still require further development. The potential of this initiative is considered positive, although at this stage external support is needed in the form of voluntary labour or subsidies. We conclude that islands are a favourable niche for the introduction saline agriculture as such island initiatives can be a stepping stone for a wider introduction of saline agriculture as a climate adaptive strategy.