Introduction
A one-week learning adventure offered by CTRT / MDF
Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, for some decades the Netherlands has been one of the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world. How this was achieved is the subject of this study week. The focus is explicitly on what decision makers in developing countries can learn from the Dutch situation and not what they can copy from it.
Policy development
How have different actors (farmers, farmer's organisations, government, experts and consumers) been involved in shaping a favourable policy environment for agricultural development? Developments at EU level, at national level, as well as at selected sub-sector levels, (e.g. dairy farming) are analysed.
Innovation
Dutch agriculture is very innovative thanks to a close co-operation between Research, Education and Extension. This system developed rapidly after the Second World War due to strong government support. In the last 15 years privatisation has been the key word. Important lessons can be learned from both periods.
Co-operation
Agricultural co-operatives handle more then 50% of the Dutch agricultural production. An average farmer is a member of 3-4 co-ops. How these co-ops developed and what their present position is, provides an interesting background for a discussion on the opportunities and constraints of co-ops in developing countries.
Sustainability
The success of the Dutch farmers means that they are able to produce high quality products against relatively low prices. Yet, the sector faces some dilemmas: internationally price competition is strong and nationally farmers have to find a new balance between different social values (Profit, People and Planet).
More information
If you want more information on this learning adventure, simply send us a short mail through the button Contact us (top of screen).
