Mexico to invest US$ 540 mln in new Agroparks

Mexico is investing 540 million dollars for the realization of new agroparks. That was said by the Dutch state secretary of Economical Affairs Sharon Dijksma in context to her visit to Mexico this week. According to Dijksma, The Netherlands can play a big role in the development of Mexico's agricultural sector. "Mexico is a world champion in regards to the production of fruit and vegetables. The country wants to become self sufficient and the Dutch technology and knowledge can play a big role in this", Dijksma said in a Dutch radio broadcast.

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Dutch ambassador in Mexico Dolf Hogewoning, state secretary Sharon Dijksma and pepper grower Oscar Woltman of FreshMex. Picture by @LANMexico

Mexico wants to build more Agroparks that are similar to the Agropark in Queretaro. This successful greenhouse cluster was founded several years ago with the help of the Netherlands; pepper grower FreshMex was the first Dutch company to built a high tech greenhouse at the Agropark. After them many followed and nowadays the Agropark is a leading example of a cooperation between Mexico and Holland.

Picture by @LANMexico

The Wageningen University is now developing three more business models for Agroparks in Mexico, with support from the Dutch government. "The Agropark creates opportunities for the Mexican industry to become self sufficient and to become a leading producer of greenhouse vegetables." Mexico currently is the number 1 supplier of greenhouse vegetables to the U.S. and Canada. Holland plays a big role in this; greenhouse technology and expertise is needed.

Sharon Dijksma informed about a bumblebee hive at Koppert Mexico. Picture by @LANMexico

Sharon Dijksma and Agricultural counsellor Jean Rummenie toast the delegation during a lunch at Pena de Benal near the Agropark. Picture by Enrico Verhoef of United Farms

Yesterday, the trade delegation with secretary Dijksma visited the pepper growers of Freshmex at the Agropark. As well as this she visited Koppert Biological Systems and the Ceickor training center in Queretaro. Furthermore the delegation paid a visit to other agricultural companies like poultry company Superpollo.