This Easter, HollandDoor had the honor of hosting a study tour for students and faculty from Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. The visit focused on how climate change is reshaping Dutch agricultural practices. From March 31 to April 6, 2024, 10 students and 2 faculty members experienced an immersive journey in the world of Dutch agriculture.
The tour highlighted both the successes and challenges of the sector and included a variety of visits to key agricultural stakeholders in the private sector, as well as education and research organizations. The program was designed to provide insights into the so-called “Dutch Diamond Approach,” which involves different Dutch stakeholders working together to shape developments in the sector. Students gained a better perspective on how localized solutions are addressing climate change challenges and what remains to be done.
Key visits and learnings
The students visited Wageningen University & Research’s laboratories and facilities in Bleiswijk, Wageningen, and Lelystad, gaining insights into the latest applied research and developments in horticulture. They also visited the Farm of the Future, where innovations in nature-inclusive agriculture are being trialed in open field pilot plots.
The students visited several other key private sector stakeholders in the horticultural sector, such as:
- The Keukenhof botanical garden
- The Aalsmeer Flower Auction and auction system
- Rijk Zwaan, focusing on seed propagation and indoor trials, with an emphasis on the development of in climate-resilient varieties.
- Plantlab, discussing the latest feasibility studies and innovations in indoor farming
- Koppert Biological Crop Protection, exploring biological crop protection products and the challenges of scaling up internationally
- Scelta Mushrooms, discussing R&D in food and nutrition and taking part in a tour of a mushroom processing facility
- World Horti Center, to see how education, the private sector, and research come together under one roof to foster collaboration
The week concluded with a working dinner on international agricultural policy and access to finance, attended by Mr. Ralf van de Beek, Director for International Agribusiness and Food Security at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of the Netherlands, as well as Ms. Alyssa Pritts, Impact Officer at FMO – the Dutch Development Bank.
For more information please contact Cedric van Oene
