The Netherlands is cultivating the future of food with its world-class agrifood sector

Financial Times prominently featured the Netherlands’ expertise in sustainable agriculture. The article examines Holland’s Food Valley and its ability to meet “the flurry of interest in agricultural and food technology” by applying gene editing, artificial intelligence and digital technology to food production and crops.

From world-leading food producers like Kraft Heinz to established food geneticists like Keygene, Holland boasts more than 5,300 agrifood companies. Known for its “Silicon Valley-style innovation,” Holland’s Food Valley and Wageningen University are home to 200 agrifood companies within a 10km radius.

“The country has made food science one of its strategic priorities and boasts one of the world’s most efficient agricultural systems. It is the largest exporter of vegetable seeds and its farmers use a fraction of the water of their counterparts elsewhere,” says the article.

World Leading AgriFood Sector

The Netherlands is an agrifood powerhouse and holds the top spot as the world’s No. 1 exporter in potatoes, onions, and fresh vegetables. The Dutch are the world’s No. 2 largest exporter of agrifood overall. The Dutch are also known to be world-class innovators and thought-leaders within the industry. The Netherlands boasts one of the world’s most efficient agricultural systems, thanks in part to Wageningen University & Research (WUR) – one of the world’s top agricultural research institutions.

Brabant

Brabant is home to 25% of the top 40 global agrifood companies. Ideally located as the gateway to Europe, the region also offers the full agrifood value chain. From agriculture, breeding, food processing and equipment through to specialized packaging and food grade logistics. In 2017, the agrifood sector in Brabant was responsible for some 77,990 jobs.

Source: Financial Times & BOM