COUNTRY FOCUS
and social wellbeing. This means that solutions are needed
that take into account issues such as animal welfare, food
safety, waste-disposal and habitation, but also issues such
as governance, education, and a fair society. With a large
population in a small, low-lying delta region where land is
at a premium, farms in the Netherlands are some of the most
intensive, sustainable, and effi cient in the world.
Thanks to a wealth of agricultural knowledge, fertile soil,
intensive farming, quality of produce, and trading expertise,
Dutch agri-food products are exported all over the world. This
applies to plant-based produce as well as for animal products
such as livestock, poultry (meat) and eggs. Machinery for
the processing of agri-food products: from robotic soft-fruit
pickers; to automated meat separators; to potato processing; is
also a key global export product, as is the knowledge around
food processing. Out of the top-40 food and drinks companies
in the world, 12 have R&D centres located in the Netherlands.
Five reasons Holland is the place to be, when you’re in
the agriculture and food industry:
1. World-leading exporter of agri-food products & leading
in innovation
2. Holland’s mild climate, flat and fertile soil and
favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe
3. Success in renewing the agricultural production chains
4. Supporting the Global alliance for Food security
5. Caring for environmental protection and sustainability
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Holland is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of chemical
products and services. Important raw materials are available
or easy to supply while an extensive transportation network
provides access to Europe and beyond.
Like other industries the world
over, it has to deal with increasing
scarcity of natural resources,
as they dwindle due to over-
consumption, or are simply scarce.
Developing smart materials and solutions
The Dutch Chemical Industry works methodically to fi nd
solutions for society’s great challenges, and, more specifi cally,
focuses on fi ve key areas: Healthcare, Food Security, Energy,
Transport, and Climate and Resources. As many of these
challenges are multi-disciplinary in character, the Chemical
sector works cooperatively across many other sectors. The
Chemical sector in the Netherlands provides a platform
where various stakeholders can connect with each other and
co-create new solutions. Like other industries the world over,
it has to deal with increasing scarcity of natural resources, as
they dwindle due to over-consumption, or are simply scarce.
The Dutch see this as a challenge to be embraced – one that
can deliver opportunities - and as a catalyst for the transition
to greener, more sustainable chemicals. This means that
sustainable and environmentally friendly source materials
should be utilised to develop smart materials and solutions,
and new processes developed that reduce the production of
unwanted by-products and waste materials.
Five reasons why the Dutch chemicals industry is making
a signifi cant contribution:
1. Leading chemical products and services
2. Lots of important chemical companies are established
here
3. Competitive & cooperative companies
4. Clusters of combined expertise in specifi c areas
5. The chemical community works together on new
innovations
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 4 • April-May 2019, Noida • 13