Miller Magazine Issue: 129 September 2020

64 INTERVIEW MILLER / September 2020 Of course, times are changing and we must look ahead. Global challenges like food security and climate change can no longer be ignored. We continually look for new ideas and solutions to address these challenges. We take pride in our leading position in developing inno- vative solutions to cater for a growing demand for food and feed in a rapidly changing world. Our strategic position in the world of trade is based on successful supply chain collaboration. Growers, col- lectors, transporters, exporters, importers, service pro- viders, all links in the supply chain actively contribute to a smooth product flow all over the world which meets global demand Although being a small country geographically, the Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricul- tural goods in the world. The Dutch agriculture sector holds a leading position on the global market. How you could manage it? What is the secret? The Netherlands is a small country in a delta. The great rivers provided the fertile agricultural land that was de- posited via water over the past millions of years. Bless- ed with a mild climate, relatively much and clean fresh water and an excellent infrastructure, the Netherlands is extremely suitable for producing food. North Western European ports play a major role in in- ternational Agri bulk trade. Being the largest port in Eu- rope with a #10 ranking worldwide, the Port of Rotter- dam handles 30% of Agri bulk traded in North Western Europe in 2018. Amsterdam as runner up covers 25%, which means that the Netherlands (including Vlissingen and Terneuzen) covers more than half of the total North Western European volume. Dutch ports provide unique hinterland connections that cover all transport modes. We may say the Netherlands is the gateway for ingre- dients for food and feed in Europe. Not only our strate- gic location, well-organized infrastructure and logistics contribute to this success, but certainly also the people working in the agri-food trade. The Dutch position in the world-wide agricultural mar- ket also finds it basis in the remarkably close and inten- sive cooperation between government, universities and high schools and the agribusiness. It is named “the gold- en triangle” of the Dutch agribusiness. This very tight co- operation for many years resulted in extensive research and development programs and an enormous power of innovation of the whole industry leading to numerous patents and inventions As a result, we can’t just call ourselves the second-larg- est exporter of agricultural goods in the world, we also export a wide variety of services and knowledge related to agribusiness. The Netherlands is a leader in efficient and sustain- able agriculture. Dutch agriculture is highly intensive and innovative. Does this also apply to grain produc- tion? What is the position of the Netherlands in grain production in Europe? Grain is a modest product in the Netherlands. Grain is mainly used by arable farmers as a rotation crop. Meaning only a small area of the arable land is yearly available for grain production. On the other hand, our hectare yields are one of the highest in Europe. In 2020 The Netherlands has around 120.000 ha with cereals, re- sulting in an estimated crop of around 1,6 million tons. This is about 0,5 % of the total EU-27 grain production. What are the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on Source: Fotografie Luchtzinnig