Key Takeaways:
- Global Agrifood Leadership: The Netherlands solidifies its position as a leading innovator in the agrifood sector, boasting the second-largest agrifood export volume worldwide.
- Strategic Collaboration: With a rich ecosystem that integrates leading companies, government, and academia, the Netherlands fosters unparalleled innovation and experimentation in agriculture and food technology.
- Summits Participation: The Invest in Holland network team is set to showcase Dutch agrifood innovations at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and the Future Food-Tech Summit in San Francisco from March 19-22.
- Sustainability Focus: Highlighting sustainable food innovation as a national priority, the Netherlands is at the forefront of addressing global food challenges with inventive solutions.
- Investment and Collaboration Opportunities: The Dutch agrifood sector, home to top-tier research institutes and universities like Wageningen University and Research, offers fertile opportunities for international companies and investors.
In an era where innovation and sustainability intersect to shape the future of food and agriculture, the Netherlands emerges as a pivotal hub for agrifood technology. This small yet mighty nation has carved out a significant niche as the world’s second-largest agrifood exporter. It hosts production and R&D operations for all top 10 global agrifood companies, underscoring its influential role in the industry.
Fostering Innovation through Collaboration
The Netherlands’ agrifood ecosystem thrives on collaboration among leading entities in the corporate sector, government, and academia. This integrated approach propels the country to the forefront of global food and agriculture technology. As a testament to this vibrant ecosystem, the Invest in Holland network team will participate in key summits in San Francisco to engage with innovators and visionaries in the agrifood sector.
Showcasing Dutch Excellence on the World Stage
The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and the Future Food-Tech Summit serve as prime platforms for the Netherlands to exhibit its agrifood prowess. These events focus on Dutch agri-tech’s role in future-proofing food and exploring new frontiers in alternative protein sources. Jaap Slothouwer, Executive Director of the Americas for the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), emphasized the nation’s longstanding commitment to sustainable food innovation and its drive to foster positive change in the industry.
A Hub of Research and Development
The Netherlands is a commercial powerhouse and an academic leader in agrifood innovation. Home to Wageningen University and Research (WUR) – the world’s top agrifood university – along with other esteemed research institutions, the country is a beacon for cutting-edge research and collaboration. These entities are instrumental in addressing pressing global food challenges and developing sustainable solutions.
Welcoming International Investment
The Dutch agrifood sector’s collaborative ecosystem and commitment to innovation present attractive opportunities for international companies and investors. With successful examples like Beyond Meat, TiNDLE Foods, and ENOUGH finding a home in the Netherlands, the country continues to invite businesses to explore its fertile ground for agrifood innovation.
Photo by Tim van der Kuip on Unsplash
