Dutch sustainable technologies for Bulgarian fruits and vegetables
Delegation of five Dutch suppliers in horticulture visited Bulgaria for business opportunities
Delegation of five Dutch companies supplying high-quality technologies, automation systems, planting materials, organic fertilizers, water storages and other materials and inputs for fruit and vegetable production visited Bulgaria on a BAR (Brexit Adjustment Reserve) mission. Fairplant, Fleuren, MeMon, NPI and Ridder led by Agriprogress met with potential partners, got first-hand impressions on the recent developments in Bulgarian horticulture, its needs and challenges and discussed possible innovative solutions.
In its multi-year dedication to encourage bilateral cooperation, the Netherlands has identified a tremendous potential for production of high-quality and delicious fruits and vegetables in Bulgaria. Unfortunately, many operational challenges make it hard for Bulgarian fresh produce to reach not only the export market, but also the local shelves and marketplaces.
Currently, on top of that, global challenges interfere significantly in everyday life and business activities of the horticulture sector. Adverse weather events such as extreme temperatures, droughts, floods, along with degrading soil, air and water quality threaten the whole production chain more often and more widespread. They underline the need to adjust producing food in a more sustainable way – with a longer view and care for our planet, but also for our future generations businesses.
A nearby war in Europe, very high input and consumer inflation, global supply chain disruptions and higher level of counterparty, business could put open economies, like both the Netherlands and Bulgaria, under financial distress. These developments also emphasize the need to produce our food in a more resilient and financially viable way.
Sustainability can go hand in hand with business opportunities and growth. That is what Dutch technologies and innovations are proof of. Following this approach, the five Dutch companies provide advanced solutions for today’s production challenges in Bulgaria. Helping their partners to boost the production and competitiveness, to explore new markets, to preserve and increase their profits. But also to deliver affordable, high-quality and clean fruits and vegetables to consumers.
The mission started with a B2B forum
The mission started with a B2B forum in the agricultural and historical heart of Bulgaria – Plovdiv, where the Dutch companies had the opportunity to explore producers’ needs, to present their technological solutions and to meet with potential Bulgarian partners and key stakeholders in horticulture.
Participants were welcomed by H.E. Simon van der Burg – ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria and Mrs. Sophie Neve – Agricultural Counsellor for Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. They confirmed their commitment to facilitate cooperation between businesses and institutions from the Netherlands and Bulgaria in achieving sustainable and resilient food production and supply chains.
Intensive 2-day field trip followed in the regions of Plovdiv, Pazardzhik and Blagoevgrad.
The mission succeeded in helping the five Dutch companies to extent their network in Bulgaria and find potential local partners, which is a vital step in their business development plans in the country. It also gave them opportunity to understand better the Bulgarian market and its needs, which is also important for defining their entry approach and key milestones.
The visit was organized under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) program funded by the European Commission and carried out by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The program aims to soften the negative impact of Brexit on Dutch businesses by helping them explore and expand on alternative high-potential markets.
As part of the same program, 21 producers and stakeholders in horticulture from Bulgaria, Romania and Greece visited the Netherlands in June 2023 for the GreenTech exhibition and a business trip to premium technology and input suppliers as well as key stakeholders in Dutch fruit and vegetable production. In October, the Dutch cluster of suppliers also went to Romania to participate in INDAGRA fair and had a series of field visits in the country.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria has actively supported the organization of the initiative as part of its efforts to unlock the huge potential in Bulgarian horticulture and to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.