From 6 to 18 October, a delegation from Guatemala studied the European system of quality and phytosanitary control. The aim was to develop a common control system for the Central American States and to promote export to the EU. The participants represented the Ministries of Agriculture, Economic Affairs and Health. The program included visits to the European Commission in Brussels and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and several organizations in Ireland.
The visits in the Netherlands were organized by Harry Barendse of HollandDoor.
On 13 June HollandDoor organized an excursion for Colombian cut flower growers from Agricola El Cactus. They mainly produce carnations and roses. The guests were very interested to see the similarities and differences between Colombian and Dutch horticulture. They not only visited cut flower growers, but also visited greenhouse vegetable and potted plant growers to have a clear overview of the Dutch greenhouse sector.
The group visited Nice2Get Roses, Duijnisveld Sweet Pepper and Floricultura Orchids. The Colombian guests were impressed with the current state of Dutch horticulture. They concluded that there are possibilities for improvement in Colombia but also many chances to increase profits over there.
Insects as the a bridge to circular farming: poultry, fertilizer, and beyond
This summer, during a trade mission that brought Nigerian entrepreneurs to the Netherlands, HollandDoor’s network facilitated a unique match. One of the participants, poultry farmer Emmpek, was introduced to the concept of insect farming for the very first time. Inspired by what he saw, he immediately implemented the idea on his return to Nigeria.
To explore the opportunities, a feasibility study was carried out on his farm. The findings showed how easily insect farming could be integrated into his existing facilities and routines. Emmpek manages several production systems – poultry (both broilers and layers), a cassava plantation with a gari processing plant and an oil palm plantation with its own processing plant. Each of these enterprises provides valuable inputs for insect farming.
For example, palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of his oil palm processing, makes a perfect substrate for black soldier flies (BSF). Cassava peel from the gari plant can be fed to the larvae. One of the farm’s poultry pens is being repurposed into a BSF farm, and another part of his facilities will serve as an insectarium for incubation.
The cycle is simple but powerful. Waste streams from the farm’s poultry, cassava and palm oil production become substrates for insects. The larvae are then used as a high-protein feed for his chickens, and the frass – the leftover substrate – returns to his cassava fields as a natural soil improver and fertilizer.
By embracing this system, Emmpek is well on his way to becoming a fully circular farmer, turning waste into value while boosting both efficiency and sustainability.
At HollandDoor, we are proud to help spark journeys such as this. By connecting Dutch expertise with international entrepreneurship, we empower farmers like Emmpek to innovate and grow. And with tailor-made training, we look forward to supporting many more farmers worldwide in exploring sustainable, practical solutions.
Delegation from Gambella Ethiopia visits the Netherlands
In late December 2013, a government delegation from the Gambella region of Ethiopia visited the Netherlands. HollandDoor organized an introduction program at the request of Good Work Foundation.
Gambella is an interesting region for agriculture. Local authorities are working to find international investors. HollandDoor keeps in touch with the local authorities to support this project.
Barbados’ agricultural ministry is being inspired by the Dutch horticulture
Minister-president Marc Rutte visited Cuba as a representor of the Dutch Caribbean Isle’s in June 2016. He spoke with Barbados’ head of government. This Caribbean isle has an estimated amount of 300.000 inhabitants, it has a high population density and it is one of the most prosperous isles from Central- and South-America. Barbados’ agricultural sector, however, does not preform optimal, which is mainly due to a lack in cultivation(technical)- and management skills. Barbados’ Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management (MAFFW) is currently implementing a program in order to bring the necessity of a more efficient and sustainable food production to the people’s attention.
Following Rutte’s visit and after having been invited by the Dutch government, two representatives from Barbados, Mr. Andre Devonish and Mr. Rodney Brandford, paid a visit to the Dutch horticulture sector. Both gentlemen are involved in setting up a demonstration- and training farm of circa 10 ha. A lot of focus will be on mid-tech cultivation techniques. The visit served as an inspiration as well as a way to investigate the (im-)possibilities of collaboration.
HollandDoor has, at the request of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, arranged the complete organization and realization of a 4-day tailor made study trip. The study trip took place from the 23rd to the 27th of April 2017.
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