Horticulture in the Netherlands Jos Leeters Nong Lam University, HCMC

Programme Introduction  have clear understanding about the Netherlands and about horticulture DVD Dutch agribusiness Presentation / lecture Statements and discussion  conclusions  compare Vietnam with the Netherlands

After this seminar … You have insight how the Dutch horticulture has been developed in history and is organised nowadays You have insight in the EU and the global supply chain of horticultural products and its trends

Question 1 The Netherlands is a European country and is one of the 27 countries in the EU. Besides the official name ‘the Netherlands’, many people use the name ‘Holland’. The size of the Netherlands is: A.3 times smaller than Vietnam B.8 times smaller than Vietnam

Answer 1 The size of the Netherlands is: B. 8 times smaller than Vietnam VN 331,000 km2 87 million people NL 42,000 km2 17 million people

Question 2 The name ‘Netherlands’ has to do with: A.The fact that the first inhabitants never could find a mountain B.The fact that 20% of the country is below sea level

Answer 2 The name ‘Netherlands’ has to do with: B. The fact that 20% of the country is below sea level

Question 3 Neighbour countries of the Netherlands are: A.Belgium and Germany B.Germany and Iceland

Question 4 Two other countries in the EU are: A.Italy and Greece B.Spain and Morocco

Answer 4 Two other countries in the EU are: A.Italy and Greece

Question 5 The national symbol of the Netherlands is: A.Orange lion B.Blue wooden shoe C.Green windmill

Question 6 Horticulture is a: A.Capital, labour and knowledge intensive sector B.Capital, labour and knowledge extensive sector

Answer 6 Horticulture is: A.Capital, labour and knowledge intensive

Question 7 Examples of horticultural products are: A.Cut flowers, interior ornamental plants, fruit, tea, rubber B.Cut flowers, exterior ornamental plants, vegetables, mushrooms

Answer 7 Examples of horticultural products are: B. Cut flowers, exterior ornamental plants, vegetables, mushrooms

DVD Highlights of Dutch Agribusiness Holland. Small country, great partner.

History Dutch people have been traders since long ago Dutch people had to fight for their land and are keen to use the land economically Dutch people are prepared to share knowledge Dutch people cooperate to become stronger

The Netherlands: turntable of trade in cut flowers 2009:  production value € 1,900,000,000  import value € 800,000,000  export value € 3,200,000,000

The Netherlands: turntable of trade in fresh vegetables 2009:  production value € 1,900,000,000  import value € 1,400,000,000  export value € 4,100,000,000

Turntable of trade in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, cut flowers and ornamental plants 2009:  production value € 8,000,000,000  import value € 7,900,000,000  export value € 14,600,000,000

Supply Chain Authority grower farmer processor retailer consumerbreeder propagator trader food services NL: declining position in cultivation NL: increasing position in  breeding  trade

Cut flowers worldwide: 5 main exporting countries The Netherlands Rose, Chrysanthemum, Tulip, Lily Colombia Rose, Carnation Kenia / Ethiopia Rose, Carnation, summerflowers Ecuador Rose Israel Green fillers, Rose

Flower sales Europe 2009: > € 14 billion  50% flower shop  26% supermarket 2016: > € 20 billion (+ 3% / year)  47% flower shop  29% supermarket

The EU 27 countries (since 2007) > 500 million consumers EURO (€) common currency for 17 states Largest trading bloc in the world (over) regulated market 27 different countries !!!!

Different cultures In Germany everything is forbidden unless it is allowed In the United Kingdom everything is allowed unless it is forbidden In France everything is allowed even if it is forbidden

Driving forces for global developments & innovations  the market  consumers in developed markets  quality (color, appearance, vase life, …)  (year round) availability  environment, social issues ……  consumers in emerging markets  retail  power of supermarket chains  efficiency ……  efficiency (note: energy costs, labour costs)  technology

Dutch sector organisation Historical triangle  applied research  extension  education Entrepreneurship (global trade orientation) Cooperative approach: auctions (since 1870’s)

Auction system From farmers For farmers (Still) owned by farmers Managed by professionals:  logistic specialists  marketeers  …. Strategy: be the leading market place

The fruit & vegetables market in the EU big, promising, but difficult sold in EU 80,000,000 tonnes fresh fruit 65,000,000 tonnes fresh vegetables changing population changing eating and food habits well supplied importers

Consumption trends Health (including safety) Convenience washed, pre-cut, pre-packed, portioned, ready-to-cook, snacks, etc. Exotic, tropical, ethnic CSR corporate social responsibility – Organic – Fair trade Higher living standard = lower consumption of fresh products Out of home market (restaurants, hotels, catering, …)

Retail structure 75-80% through supermarkets 20-25% through other retail small retailshops open / ethnic markets Conclusion: main decision makers are in the supermarket channels

Today the consumer gets Fruit and vegetables all year round  Uniform quality  Various certificates (GlobalGAP, HACCP, …) Variety  Numerous types of produce (varietal differences)  Exotic fruits & vegetables Safety  Improved technology and knowledge Information

Good labour standards for the people in the factory (social accountability - CSR) A fair deal for small farmers from developing countries (fair trade) Produced with full consideration for the environment (ISO 14001) The product is produced locally to where he/she lives (foodmiles) Tomorrow ‘ s consumer wants

Statement 1 Vietnam should be the Asian no. 1 producer of safe vegetables in 2020 YES or NO

Statement 2 Vietnam has similar characteristics as the Netherlands (trade orientation, heart for its land, cooperative approach). It can develop a long term strategic partnership with the Netherlands and can have a similar future position in horticulture as the Netherlands. YES or NO

Statement 3 Consumers and supermarkets require high quality and safety standards. It’s very difficult for small farmers to meet these requirements. Consumers and supermarkets should accept lower quality from producers in developing countries. YES or NO

Jos Leeters