Within the framework of cooperation between Rabobank and Agrofoodcluster, closer cooperation is planned in the regions of Flevoland, Friesland and Groningen. Both sides see many benefits from knowledge sharing. The new vision for the fruit and berry crops sector will be the first step in a renewed partnership.
The importance of the fruit and berry sector for the future
Gea Bakker, Akkerbau Sector Manager at Rabobank Netherlands, and Cor van Veldhuizen, Director of AgroFoodcluster, immediately understand the importance of a well-developed vision of the future for the fruit and berry sector. They note that in order to ensure sufficient space for this sector in the future, it is necessary to demonstrate its importance and prove that growing fruit and berry crops on the fertile lands of the Dutch delta is the best option. The government is currently working on the document “Nota Ruimte”, which defines the future construction in the Netherlands. Through their partnership, they plan to demonstrate the importance of the fruit and berry sector.
Prospects for cooperation
The merger with Potato Valley, a fruit and berry crop network in Friesland and Groningen, allowed Agrofoodcluster, originally from Flevoland, to cover about 85% of the fruit and berry crop industry in the Netherlands. Rabobank has already been a partner in both networks through regional circles. This collaboration creates an impressive network of knowledge on the cultivation of fruit and berry crops. Rabobank will be able to take advantage of this by deepening practical knowledge and strengthening contacts with stakeholders. Agrofoodcluster, in turn, will gain access to Rabobank’s global experience. The updated cooperation agreement provides for measures to involve Rabobank experts at the national level.
An important vision of fruit and berry crops
The new vision for the fruit and berry sector will not only highlight the importance of the Dutch fruit and berry sector (potatoes are a staple food for 1 billion people), but also describe how cultivation needs to be adapted to current trends. The range of plant protection products is expected to decrease and the importance of goals in the field of nature, water quality, adaptation to climate change and the use of more resistant varieties is expected to increase. Attention will also be paid to regenerative agriculture. The fruit and berry vision will be ready after the summer of 2024. The concept of this vision is currently being developed by Agrofoodcluster partners.
