Transition to a Sustainable Food System - United Kingdom
A major producer and exporter of agricultural products and technology, the Netherlands has a reputation as a reliable partner, promoting sustainable agricultural productivity growth, healthy food, and the resilience of increasingly interconnected global food supply chains.
The Netherlands is committed to establishing high international standards of animal welfare, animal, plant and public health, consumer protection, and for biodiversity, climate action and fair trade in food. The Netherlands has a unique ecosystem for innovation in food and agriculture with close collaboration between government, research and technology organisations, educational establishments, civil society, and financial institutions.
The Dutch government seeks to expand on this ecosystem by supporting numerous bilateral programmes and international public-private partnerships to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise of, for example, plant breeding, precision agriculture, and food logistics. There are long-standing partnerships between UK and Dutch research and academic organisations to promote innovation in agriculture and food production.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London actively supports the strengthening of links between the UK and Dutch agriculture and food sectors and the creation of partnerships in agriculture and food research and innovation. The overall goal is to enhance food security through resilient food systems that contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation and enhance biodiversity in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlights
Nature-friendly farming
Good agricultural practices are the bedrock of a sustainable food system. The Dutch government promotes the adoption of nature-inclusive agricultural practices that integrate the natural environment to maintain a resilient food system and support the natural environment.
The team of the Dutch Agricultural Counsellor in London actively supports the exchange of knowledge and expertise of good agricultural practices between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands through organising seminars, study visits, and other meetings.
Sustainable horticulture
The Netherlands is renowned for its innovative high tech systems in indoor and outdoor horticulture. The Dutch government promotes innovation in robotics, autonomous systems and precision technologies to increase the efficiency and reduce the ecological impact of food production.
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands face common challenges in vegetable and fruit production, such as the availability of labour and water and the need to reduce reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use and use environmentally sustainable growing materials.
The team of the Dutch Agricultural Counsellor in London actively supports the cooperation between the UK and Dutch horticulture sectors to develop innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the horticulture sector. The Dutch Embassy organises study visits, innovation challenges, and expert meetings to promote collaboration between UK and Dutch businesses and research organisations.
Sustainable and healthy food
Human, animal and environmental health are closely interlinked. Sustainable agricultural practices provide the foundation for food that is safe and nutritious.
With a thriving R&D ecosystem that fosters collaboration among leading companies, government and academia, the Netherlands is a powerhouse of sustainable food innovation and is pioneering the shift towards the use of alternative protein sources.
The Agricultural Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy in London
The Agricultural Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy in London supports Dutch businesses, knowledge institutions and non-profit organisations that are active in the UK or want to do business in the UK in the agriculture, food and nature sectors. We are part of a worldwide network of Dutch agricultural counsellors and their teams in 60 Dutch embassies and consulates, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
To learn more about the work of the Agricultural Counsellor in London, please email us.