Dubai, UAE – The Dutch horticultural consortium highlighted the critical role of collaboration in addressing food security during the Horticultural Days event at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020. With its history of overcoming food scarcity in the mid-20th century, the Dutch horticultural sector now leads in innovative solutions for sustainable food production, aiming to share expertise globally, particularly in regions with harsh climates like the UAE.

The event emphasized the integration of water, energy, and food systems, a holistic approach championed by Meiny Prins, CEO of Priva and Expo Ambassador for the Netherlands Pavilion. Prins urged the UAE to set a global example for sustainable food production using renewable energy and recycled wastewater. This, she said, could create new ecosystems where technology and circularity play a vital role in reshaping food production in urban areas.

Erik Smidt, Agricultural Counsellor for the Netherlands, emphasized that achieving food security requires strong partnerships among governments, businesses, research institutions, and citizens. The Netherlands Pavilion served as a platform for collaboration, demonstrating the importance of unity in driving continuous innovation for sustainable global food production.

Entrepreneurs from the Middle East shared insights into the successful adoption of Dutch technologies in the region. Sky Kurtz, CEO of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, highlighted the success of their desert-based farming model, which combines Dutch techniques with local conditions to produce high-quality, cost-effective food year-round. His work exemplifies the strength of the Dutch horticultural ecosystem, where innovation, government support, and market collaboration align seamlessly.

Red Sea Farms, a pioneering agritech startup in Saudi Arabia, showcased its groundbreaking approach to sustainable agriculture. Co-founder Mark Tester explained how their technology uses 90% saltwater in greenhouses, drastically reducing freshwater usage. This not only makes the system more affordable and sustainable but also improves the taste of crops, offering a compelling model for sustainable agriculture in arid regions.

Dutch horticultural technology continues to push boundaries with the goal of creating sustainable, self-reliant food production systems worldwide. Eric Egberts, CEO of Dutch Greenhouse Delta, emphasized the need for holistic solutions that integrate water, energy, and food systems, particularly in climates where traditional agriculture is not feasible. These innovative solutions are essential for addressing the challenges posed by harsh environments, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainability on a global scale.

The afternoon session of the event featured interactive workshops focusing on key topics such as vertical farming, responsible production, and climate action. These sessions attracted a diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, growers, and government officials, both on-site and through online livestreams. The widespread interest in Dutch innovations highlighted the growing global recognition of the importance of sustainable food production systems and the role of collaboration in overcoming agricultural challenges in harsh climates.

– QANTARA (c) 2024