Building a Strong Agricultural Partnership between Netherlands and Kazakhstan
More than 40 Netherlands companies showcased their advanced horticultural solutions at the Grow Expo and Flora exhibition in Astana, Kazakhstan from April 8-10. The event highlighted the strong partnership between the two countries in the agricultural sector.
Jan-Kees Goet, the Secretary General for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, discussed the benefits of collaboration between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in agriculture. Kazakhstan’s vast agricultural land and resources, combined with the Netherlands’ expertise in high-tech agriculture and sustainable food production, create a strong foundation for knowledge exchange and joint projects.
One of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries is in greenhouse technology, poultry farming, and dairy production. Advancements in these sectors aim to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in Kazakhstan’s agrifood industry.
In 2023, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands established the Kazakhstan-Netherlands Agricultural Working Group to facilitate deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange. The committee focuses on horticulture, breeder’s rights, animal welfare, and agricultural education to promote mutual trade and investment.
Dutch innovations in greenhouse technology, precision farming, and agri-tech can help Kazakhstan improve productivity and sustainability in its agricultural sector. Climate-smart solutions from the Netherlands, such as drought-resistant crop varieties and water-efficient irrigation systems, can help Kazakhstan adapt to changing conditions and ensure sustainable food production.
As Kazakhstan strives to strengthen food security in the region, obstacles such as infrastructure development, technological investment, and skilled workforce development must be addressed. Collaboration with Dutch agribusinesses and further investment in sustainable practices can drive Kazakhstan’s agricultural development forward.
The Netherlands is one of the top trading partners of Kazakhstan in the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $4.4 billion in 2023. Continued cooperation and investment between the two countries offer promising opportunities for growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.
