Agri-TechE members make connections to the Netherlands around robotics

The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agri-food products worldwide. Innovation and smart technology drive sustainable agricultural production in the Netherlands. 

Between 10-13 July this year, a delegation of Dutch technology companies, knowledge institutions and representatives of the sector and government, visited England to explore possibilities for cooperation in technological innovation for outdoor vegetable and fruit production. 

This Outdoor Hortitech Innovation Mission was organised by The Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UK in close cooperation with Agri-TechE and the enterprise cluster ‘Growing Kent & Medway’. 

The fruit and vegetable growing industries in the Netherlands and the UK face common challenges: labour shortages, the need to reduce water and chemical use, high input costs, improving biodiversity and managing the impacts of climate change. The Innovation Mission aimed to provide Dutch delegates with an awareness of developments in UK outdoor vegetable and fruit production and to identify opportunities for cooperation in agritech research and innovation.

The delegation visited Agri-TechE member vegetable and fruit growers and an agri-robotics start-up and the University of Essex. Agri-TechE also invited a number of members with specific interests in robotics and automation to a meet & greet session with the Dutch visitors, followed by a tour of Niab’s facilities.

Delegates met members of Agri-TechE and Growing Kent & Medway, and representatives of the Agri-TechE Centres. The Dutch Embassy hosted a round table meeting to wrap up the Mission, with participants from Growing Kent & Medway, Innovate UK, BBSRC, Defra, and the Agri-TechE .

Opportunities for NL-UK Cooperation 

The Innovation Mission encouraged further dialogue between Dutch and UK stakeholders about cooperation in hortitech innovation focused on automation and precision applications. Participants recognised the commonalities between the UK and Dutch growing industries, such as similar agri-ecological and climatological conditions and disease pressures, as well as the comparable barriers to scaling-up innovations. 

The UK is a key strategic innovation partner for the Netherlands, as digital farming is becoming a reality. A diversity of technology and service providers are already in place, and UK farmers and growers are open to precision agriculture, autonomous weeding robots and other innovative technologies. This offers several opportunities for cooperation. 

Becky Dodds, Director of Communities at Agri-TechE : “Bringing our members together with new connections with common interests is what we do and events like this are exactly what they are looking for.

There is a real sense of openness and willing to work together among the group to improve the resilience of our food systems, and by also ensuring the right decision makers were involved. I think the outcomes of this visit will influence our joint way forward in a very positive and effective way.”

Dr Nikki Harrison, Director at Growing Kent & Medway: “The Dutch innovation mission provided an incredible opportunity for Growing Kent & Medway and our UK network to connect with our North Sea Neighbours. It is clear that collaboration and innovation is crucial to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our horticulture and fresh produce sector.

By working together, we can speed up research and innovation to deliver the critical solutions needed to support a healthy and thriving food system,  and create lasting international partnerships and networks for the future resilience of our sector.”

A broader look at the Dutch Agri Strategy

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality aims to consolidate the Dutch agricultural sectors’ leading international position, strengthen the link between nature and agriculture, and improve the economic situation of farmers. At the heart of Dutch agriculture, innovation plays a vital role in addressing the challenges in the sector. 

The Ministry seeks international partnerships of businesses and knowledge institutions to support the transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient food production. 

The Agriculture Team at the Dutch Embassy in the UK

Representing the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), the Agriculture Team at the Dutch Embassy in the UK is dedicated to further developing the already strong ties between the UK and the Dutch agricultural sectors through organising exchange visits and seminars. The Agricultural Team supports Dutch institutions and businesses interested in forming partnerships and doing business in the UK.