FDBusiness.com

The Dutch agri & food sector has further strengthened its leading position in the world market. In 2016, Agri & Food exports totalled almost €94 billion, compared to €90 billion in 2015. Agricultural products accounted for €85 billion and agricultural materials, knowledge and technology accounted for €9 billion: a new record. This means the agri & food sector now comprises 22% of total exports. This is shown by provisional figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and Wageningen Economic Research.

The export of agricultural products rose by over €3.6 billion (+4.4%) to €85 billion, the largest increase since 2011. The exports were mainly foodstuffs, such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat and processed products, in addition to high-quality floriculture. A noticeable factor is the increasing demand for Dutch agricultural materials, innovations and high-quality technology. Exports in this area totalled nearly €9 billion. Examples of such exports include energy-efficient greenhouses, precision agriculture systems (via GPS and drones) and new discoveries that make crops more resistant to the effects of climate change and diseases. In 2016, the import of agricultural products rose by 1.6% to €57.1 billion.

Dutch Minister for Agriculture Martijn van Dam says: “We have successfully reinforced our leading position in Europe and the world. Agri & food exports have significantly grown once more. ‘Made in Holland’ is no longer a label reserved only for tulips and cheese. Our worldwide reputation in the field of agricultural knowledge and technology also continues to grow. In the future, we want to continue contributing to effective, healthy and sustainable food provision around the world. And our smart, innovative products and technology will allow us to do exactly that.”

With agricultural and horticultural exports totalling €85 billion, the Netherlands is top of the league in Europe. The global leader is the United States. The Netherlands is in second place, with Germany, Brazil and China making up the rest of the top five. Of the total export figure of €85 billion, €24 billion comprises re-exports: products that the Netherlands imports, processes and then exports again. Germany is the Netherlands’ most important trading partner. Over three-quarters (77%) of total agricultural exports go to countries in Europe. These mainly consist of tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, meat and dairy products. From outside Europe, flowers and plants are the Netherlands’ most in-demand agricultural products, followed by meat and dairy produce.