The international horticulture sector: leading the way or falling behind?

Every day I see and hear how the Dutch horticultural sector is developing. We are proud of our position as leaders in production, technology, and innovation. But are we aware enough of what is happening internationally? Especially in places where governments are making targeted and substantial investments in a transformation, as I recently saw in South Korea, competition is growing. That got me thinking: how do we maintain our lead?

What is happening in South Korea

South Korea has made great strides in recent years to take its horticultural sector to the next level. The government has a long-term vision: fewer plastic greenhouses, more glass, economies of scale, and attracting young talent. 'Smart Innovation Valleys' have been set up in four provinces where young entrepreneurs are trained. After their studies, they can rent a 0.5-hectare greenhouse at a low cost for three years to learn entrepreneurship. This program is popular and attracts some 200 young talents each year.

Its success is not without its critics. A common concern is the limited ability to scale up after three years due to a lack of land or funding. But therein lies precisely the strength of their approach: the South Korean government is certainly already thinking about the next steps. The government wants to offer long-term loans or grants to entrepreneurs who want to continue growing. In addition, significant investments are being made in research centers, where software and hardware for horticulture are being tested and certified with the ultimate goal: export.

The goal: national first, then international

What fascinates me about the South Korean approach is the strategic focus. First, they build a solid, self-sufficient horticultural sector. And at the same time, they are already focusing on exporting technology, knowledge, and products. This makes their approach robust and future-proof. The question is: what does this mean for our leading position?

The Netherlands has been the undisputed leader in horticulture for years. Our innovations and knowledge are world-renowned. But South Korea - and countries like China, Canada, and the U.S. - are rapidly following. In the short (and medium) term, this offers opportunities: we can provide technology and expertise to countries developing their sector. But what about in five or 10 years, when these countries may be self-sufficient?

Is innovation enough to stay ahead?

Is the statement “If you just keep innovating, you'll be fine” still true? Innovation is undoubtedly crucial, but I wonder if we are setting the right priorities in the Netherlands. Will the smallest improvements in yield, such as 85 kg versus 95 kg per square meter, still make a difference? Or could we focus even more on larger, structural innovations and collaborations?

Are we prepared for a future in which other countries not only produce their own food but also export technology and knowledge? And how do we ensure that the Netherlands remains the benchmark in global horticulture? We must be aware of these questions, and we should not wait too long to formulate an answer to them.

Moving forward together

We should not only discuss these questions in policy rooms but rather with the entire chain: from growers and startups to researchers and investors. It is time for an open dialogue on how we work together, innovate, and maintain our strong position internationally. The horticultural sector has a responsibility not only to the Netherlands but also to the world.

So, shall we take the next step together to remain strategically in the lead?