The Dutch sector of horticulture sets global trends, supplies markets worldwide and leads in innovative technologies for greenhouse cultivation. Holland is the undeniable leader on the international market of plants, plant reproductive material, cut flowers and bulbs, and is rated third for its export of nutritional products of horticulture. The country is in the centre of a global network for decorative trees, bulbs, floriculture and fruit and vegetable production.
In case you are considering incorporating a business in the field of horticulture, please, contact our agents specializing in company formation. They will provide you with legal advice and information about opening a company in the Netherlands.
An important contribution to national prosperity
The problems encountered during the establishment of sustainable urban centres often have to do with basic needs, e.g. shelter and food. The supply of indispensable resources (energy, food and water) needs to be secured through creative solutions and smart thinking. For centuries the Netherlands has been developing systems to cater for the needs of its population under such circumstances and now it offers excellent possibilities for export to countries experiencing shortages in resources. Local horticulture sets global trends and is differentiated in 6 clusters (Greenports). In these centres, research institutions and businesses collaborate in the areas of research and development, production, infrastructure, export and logistics. Horticulture has significant importance for the prosperity of the Netherlands, delivering large volumes of high-quality commodities and adopting technological innovations such as automated fruit pickers, intelligent greenhouses floating on water, glasshouses consuming less electricity than they generate and feeding the grid, and innovative methods for low-energy lighting and recycling of wastes and water.
Five reasons why the Netherlands is leading in the supply of trees, plants and flowers in the world
1. Developments in the field of Green Genomics
Holland is among the leaders in Green Genomics. The aim of this scientific field is to provide safe and sustainable production, higher yields, changed taste or design, and disease resistance in plants. TTI Green Genetics and Plant Research International are leading institutes in this area.
2. A large diversity of shrubs and trees
The variety of shrubs and trees produced in the Netherlands is unmatched. The industry is underpinned by a strong national market. Holland also maintains a leading position in R&D and trade related to tissue cultures, propagation material, young plants and seeds.
3. An original approach to innovation
The Netherlands has adopted a unique R&D approach to bring innovations: the government works closely with research institutions and companies in a “golden triangle” to complete innovation-related programmes and projects. Some examples of excellent innovations are intelligent greenhouses floating on water, robots, moving platforms, energy-saving lighting and recycling of water and wastes, glasshouses consuming less electricity than they generate and contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, etc.
4. The famous greenhouses in the Netherlands: Glass City
Modern Dutch greenhouses already generate about 10% of Holland’s electricity by using a combination of power and heat (CHP). The country is famous with its inventive solutions for greenhouse cultivation and unrivalled scale of production. Its glasshouses cover over 60 square kilometres and look like a glass city, while their environmental impact is relatively low. Efforts are directed towards technologies and concepts facilitating adaptability to the changes in climate and energy-efficiency. Read more on the Dutch energy industry.
5. Logistics hubs and production of excellent quality
Rotterdam’s port and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam are the most important logistics hubs in the country. Holland is conveniently located in the heart of Europe with easy access to the continent’s half a billion consumers. Furthermore, the development of methods to obtain high-quality produce has enabled its horticultural sector to gain global recognition. The Netherlands has developed effective supply chains capable of delivering freshly cut flowers to New York in less than a day. Also, true to their entrepreneurial spirit, the Dutch have set up nurseries in Ethiopia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Portugal and France.
