50 / SEEDWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019 THE NETHERLANDS is the world’s 2nd largest exporter of agricultural products, after the United States. The country is one of the world’s three leading producers of vegetables and fruit, supplying a quarter of the vegetables that are exported from Europe. Fruits and veg- etables are The Netherlands’ third largest export sector, contributing nearly 14 billion euros (including processed products) to the economy. ON LOCATION: The Netherlands Stats The Top 10 reasons why Dutch agriculture stands out. 152 countries import fruits and vegetables from The Netherlands. In other words: in three out of four coun- tries worldwide, shops sell fruit and vegetables from The Netherlands. In The Netherlands, the small town of Westland is home to some of the first greenhouses used for produc- tion back in 1850. At that time, it was primarily for grapes. Today, tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper are the most important vegetables that are grown in the greenhouses. Westland, also known for its production of flowers and plants, is the largest contiguous greenhouse horticultural community in the world. Between 2010 and 2016, CO2 emis- sions in horticulture fell by more than 30 percent. The use of sustainable energy increased by 125 percent. Onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and peppers (in that order) are the top five produce crops grown in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to more than 250 plant breeding and propagation companies. As the world’s biggest exporter of seeds and young plants, the sub- section of agriculture employs more than 12,000 people. In 2016, Dutch companies exported 2.7 billion euros worth of plant reproductive materials, and exports are on the rise. In Europe, more than 30 percent of applications for plant breeders’ rights are made by Dutch breeders, making it an innovation hub when it comes to the development of new varieties. Waveningin University is the No. 1 agricultural university in the world for the third year in a row, according to the National Taiwan Ranking of more than 300 univer- sities on scientific and research excellence. There are more than 30 research groups and 400 PhD candidates working day in and day out within Dutch universities to learn more about plants. Of the top 40 food and drink com- panies in the world, 12 have R&D centers in the Netherlands. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 2 4 9