The 19th Netherlands-Taiwan Agriculture Working Group Meeting
The 19th Netherlands-Taiwan Agriculture Working Group Meeting (AWG) was held on April 18th in The Hague, The Netherlands. The AWG meeting is an important platform for bilateral policy exchange, market access discussions, and promoting technological cooperation in agriculture.
AWG meeting
Since signing the Agricultural Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding in 1993, Taiwan and The Netherlands have alternately hosted bilateral meetings. This time around, the AWG was hosted by the Netherlands, with Taiwan being represented by Director-General Lih-Fang Lin, Department of International Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Dutch delegation was led by Special Envoy Mr. Frederik Vossenaar, assisted by Agricultural Director Mr. Rick Nobel and Agricultural Advisor Ms. Wendy Liang. The agenda included policy exchange on establishing new business models to facilitate the industry chain in adopting net-zero practices, addressing veterinary issues such as HPAI and BSE risk status, and discussing technical cooperation issues like cold chain management, DUS testing for plants, pet management, and alternative protein sources for animal feed. Both sides agreed to promote various work plans based on the consensus reached at the conference, aiming to deepen innovation cooperation in Netherlands - Taiwan agricultural trade and technology.
Field visits
In response to the severe challenges of global climate change and environmental protection, the Netherlands has begun promoting a national protein policy and transition strategy. It aims to achieve a balanced animal and plant protein consumption by 2030, creating significant business opportunities. Recognizing Taiwan's specific advantages in plant-based protein processing and aquatic products, the AWG meeting focused on the theme of "Future Food and Smart Supply (Cold) Chains," exploring low-carbon and environmentally friendly transnational business models. Visits were arranged to Wageningen University & Research, Food Valley, and the Viscon Group. The Taiwanese delegation actively sought opportunities in low-carbon production and alternative protein sources, including discussions with Protix, a company specializing in efficient insect commercialization. The entire meeting and visit lasted three days, with the next AWG meeting scheduled to be hosted by Taiwan during the Taiwan World Orchid Conference.
