The Netherlands: from small fields to global powerhouse

Here’s a pop quiz for you. Who is the second-largest exporter of agricultural products by value in the world? If I give you a clue and tell you the largest exporter of agricultural products is the USA, that might help.

So, how are you doing with your guess for the number two spot? China? India? A country in Africa or South America? Nope, the second-largest exporter of agricultural products in the world is… the Netherlands.

It has just 1.8 million hectares to the USA’s 370 million of agricultural land. In other words, it has 0.5% of the land of the USA! And only 0.37% of China’s agricultural land!

Why am I bringing up the Netherlands? Well, it’s an amazing country that has become one of the world’s most important agricultural nations despite its size and constraints. As we look for ways to create more food for our species, finding examples of how to improve food production efficiency is critical for food security and geographic stability.

There are a few key factors that contribute to the Netherlands’ productivity:

Advanced technology and innovation: It uses cutting-edge technology in farming, including precision agriculture, greenhouse farming, and sustainable practices. This maximizes yield and efficiency.

Favorable climate and soil: The Dutch climate and soil conditions are suitable for a variety of crops, contributing to high productivity.

Research and development: The country invests heavily in agricultural research and development, often through partnerships between universities, research institutes, and private companies.

Efficient logistics: It has a highly developed infrastructure, including major ports, such as Rotterdam, which facilitate the efficient export of agricultural products.

Diverse production: The country produces a wide range of agricultural products, including vegetables, flowers, dairy products, and meat.

If you don’t have enormous amounts of land and other resources, it’s even more vital to leverage the assets you have and enhance their effectiveness by being at the forefront of agtech and food tech. The success of the Netherlands is deeply rooted in its history of innovation and adaptation. A smaller-sized country that has innovated its way into a world leadership position.

The Dutch don’t believe you have to do things the same way forever. They are looking for new ways to improve output with less input

Sustainability is also at the core of Dutch agriculture. They’re not highly productive by scorching the earth for the next generations. Great progress has been made in reducing farming’s environmental impact by using precision agriculture to optimize water, fertilizer, and pesticide use, so minimizing waste and pollution.

Investment in R&D is also key for the Netherlands’ agricultural success. It established Wageningen University & Research, a top institution specializing in agricultural science and innovations in crop genetics, sustainable farming, and food tech.

So why am I waving the flag so vigorously for the Netherlands? Well, it is a lovely place (you should visit!) but beyond that, we are moving into a world where we need to find new ways to produce more food in more efficient and sustainable ways. The Netherlands is using Innovation + Land + R&D + Logistics + Diverse Production.

For those who want to keep the status quo and think the agricultural system can just continue the way it has, please notice that the first thing on the list is innovation and the third is R&D – the Dutch don’t believe you have to do things the same way forever. They are looking for new ways to improve output with less input.

So, final pop quiz. Which country – a world-leading innovator in agricultural products – invented cultivated meat? You guessed it, the Netherlands. The ‘Godfather
of Cultivated Meat’, Willem Frederik van Eelen, was Dutch.

It’s no surprise this efficient way to produce protein was invented in the Netherlands. As the demand for sustainable food sources grows, the country is positioning itself to be a leader in the cultivated meat category. One interesting initiative from the Ministry of Agriculture is the RESPECTfarm project to explore small-scale cultivated production at farm level for farmers – bringing new technologies together with traditional farmers.

The Dutch government is investing and beginning to create a supportive ecosystem for cultivated meat. Providing funding and a favorable regulatory environment, the government is encouraging the growth of cultivated meat startups and fostering an ecosystem conducive to technological advancements. We’re glad to be a part of it!

So, there you have it. The Netherlands: a lovely place to visit and an even better country to learn from. Come visit!

Andrew D. Ive is the Founder/Managing General Partner, at Big Idea Ventures. He is an advisory board member for Tufts Nutrition Council, is a Friedman School Entrepreneurship advisor, Harvard Business School graduate, Procter & Gamble brand management trained, and has spent a number of years as an entrepreneur growing companies.This article is republished from the Q4 2024 edition of Protein Production Technology International, the industry's leading resource for alternative proteins. To subscribe to all future editions, please click here