Dutch Day in Almería

A large delegation of representatives from grower’s associations and trading companies of GroentenFruit Huis is currently on a three-day visit to Spain.Their aim is to achieve an exchange of knowledge between the two largest producing countries in the EU. Central to the visit is the Dutch Day, which was organised in Almería by the Dutch embassy, and that was held in the presence of many Spanish and Dutch cultivators, growers organisations and sales parties. The theme for this day was ‘On the market together.’ 

The day focused on common challenges such as sustainability, increasing consumption and the future Common Agricultural Policy. “We want to explore as many possible cooperations between the Netherlands and Spain, both temporary and permanent. We are competitive in some countries, such as Germany, but we can be partners on other markets, such as the British,” the organisation explained.

The Ambassador to the Netherlands, Matthijs Bonzel, and the acting general director of Agriculture and Nature, Aldrik Gierveld from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and his direct colleagues, also held speeches, in addition to lectures by representatives from business. 

On behalf of the Dutch sector, Richard Schouten, manager GroentenFruit Huis, explained the activities and the intention of GroentenFruit Huis. He also expanded on current themes and dossiers that are important to the Netherlands and Spain. 

The Dutch delegation visited various companies throughout the Dutch Day, including a modern cultivation company, and an adjacent packing company for sliced lettuce. Visits have also been planned to various highly modern, organic companies for tomatoes and bell pepper. A visit was also paid to the cooperative, Bio Sabor, which is housed in a very modern company building, and which sorts and packages tomatoes and cucumbers for the Northern European market, among other markets.