Press release: The Dutch and Irish discuss the future of the European agri-food sector.

Nieuwsbericht | 1 februari 2012

Press release: The Dutch and Irish agri-food sectors talk sustainable food at network dinner in Dublin

On the 31^st of January 2012, the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Dublin, Rabobank International, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation hosted a network dinner for the Dutch and Irish agri-food sector on the occasion of the visit of the “Source Sustainably from Holland” trade mission to Dublin.

Special guest speakers were H.E. Mr Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, and Professor Martin Kropff, Vice-Chancellor of Wageningen University. The speakers addressed critical issues such as how the food industry prepares for the growing world population and responds to sustainability and supply chain challenges, to changing consumer behaviour and to retailers’ demands.

Both the Irish and Dutch share a preference for healthy and sustainable premium quality foods. Both governments are committed to the growth of the agri-food sector by promoting healthy, sustainable and safe food that is produced with respect for farm animals, the landscape and the environment.  

Recognising the importance and growth potential of the agri-food sector, the Dutch government has made the sector one of the key priority areas (‘top sectors’) to promote competitiveness by stimulating both innovation and sustainability. Ireland has embarked on a similar journey, which provides valuable learning points for the Dutch. Many R&D organisations, companies and universities in the Netherlands and Ireland already work together, particularly in the areas of food and health innovation, functional foods and dairy technology. 

Notes to editors

Corporate Social Responsibility is deeply rooted in the Dutch agri-food sector. Today, the sector is strongly focused on sustainability: it is a source of healthy, safe food that is produced with respect for farm animals, the landscape and the environment.

The Dutch government is committed to achieving sustainable economic growth, ‘green growth’, by working in collaboration with business, civil society and research organisations, and by supporting private initiatives that increase sustainability.

Contributing more than 10% of GDP and more than 20% of industrial exports, the agri-food sector is one of the biggest economic sectors in the Netherlands. Behind the success of the Dutch agri-food sector lies strong entrepreneurship and intensive cooperation between government, private industry and research institutes, also referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’.

Recognising the relative importance and the growth potential of the agri-food sector, the Dutch government has made the sector one of the key priority areas (so-called ‘top sectors’) to spur on innovation, building on the successful model of the ‘Golden Triangle’.

For any questions please contact the Trade Section at the Royal Netherlands Embassy

email: dub-ea@minbuza.nl

Telephone : 012693444

Website : http://ireland.nlembassy.org/ and www.hollandtrade.com

Rabobank:
Rabobank Group is an international financial services provider operating on the basis of cooperative principles. It offers retail banking, wholesale banking, asset management, leasing and real estate services. Focus is on all-finance services in The Netherlands and on retail and wholesale banking, and food & agri internationally.

Rabobank is renowned worldwide for its Food & Agri (F&A) research services, and the solid range of products and services it offers to customers. The bank’s F&A Research and Advisory (FAR) department draws an expert team of analysts based throughout the global Rabobank network. This team continuously accumulates knowledge on companies, issues and trends in the F&A sector, publishes research and provides advisory services to the Bank’s F&A customers.

Rabobank accomodates its Dutch client base conducting business abroad whether they are in import, export or investment. With more than 600 branche offices in 48 countries, they benefit from both a large international network of specialists and our knowledge of every possible market.

 For any questions please contact, Helen Petrini Sectoral Specialist at Rabobank in Ireland

Email: helen.petrini@rabobank.com

Telephone: +353 1 4184417

Website: http://www.rabobank.nl/bedrijven/servicemenu/english_pages/international_business/

For questions regarding the Trade Mission, contact Steve Murnaghan at NITC

Telephone : +31 (20) 421 7400

email: murn@nitc.nl

Website : www.nitc.nl

Page published: 1 February 2012

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