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| October 2025 |
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Dear ,
Welcome autumn 2025, goodbye summer 2025
How time flies! Our last newsletter was sent out just before the warm Dutch summer, and now we are already enjoying the vibrant colours of autumn. It remains as busy a time as ever for the HollandDoor team.
In this edition we offer you a glimpse into our activities around the world – new projects we have launched, partnerships we have forged, study tours we have organized and training we have delivered in various countries. Our focus continues to be on supporting food security and strengthening farm businesses in both the plant and animal sectors – always working alongside you to help boost the agri sector.
We look forward to building on our partnerships and creating a positive impact together.
Ad, Cedric, Engelie, Geerten, Jan Willem, Jos, Lisanne, Marian, Niek, René.
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A next step in the Kurdish vegetable value chain programme
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What began last year with a detailed market analysis of the Kurdish vegetable sector, has now evolved into a hands-on, action-oriented project. In September we officially launched this initiative in Sulaymaniyah, bringing together key stakeholders from across the value chain: farmers, traders, suppliers, retailers, hotels, government bodies and consumers.
The project focuses on strengthening the cucumber and tomato value chains in the region. Together with our partners, we will define market specifications, test packaging solutions, identify packing locations and support farmers and businesses in implementing food safety measures.
This collaboration highlights the importance of connecting all links in the value chain and illustrating the journey a product takes from plant to plate, with value added at every stage. We are grateful for the warm welcome, the spirit of collaboration and the opportunity to contribute to the development of the vegetable value chain in this region.
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Insects as a bridge to circular farming
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This summer, during a trade mission that brought Nigerian entrepreneurs to the Netherlands, HollandDoor’s network facilitated a unique match. Poultry farmer Emmpek was introduced to the concept of insect farming for the very first time. Inspired by what he saw, he immediately implemented the idea on his return to Nigeria.
To explore the opportunities, a feasibility study was carried out on his farm. The findings showed how easily insect farming could be integrated into his existing facilities and routines. Emmpek manages several production systems – poultry (both broilers and layers), a cassava plantation with a gari processing plant and an oil palm plantation with its own processing plant.
Waste streams from the farm’s poultry, cassava and palm oil production become substrates for insects. The larvae are then used as a high-protein feed for his chickens, and the frass returns to his cassava fields as a natural soil improver and fertilizer.
By embracing this system, Emmpek is well on his way to becoming a fully circular farmer.
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Data-driven solutions for smallholder farmers in Kenya
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HollandDoor’s René Braakman recently undertook field visits in Kenya for a project with SunCulture, a leader in solar-powered irrigation solutions across Africa. The Kenya-based company’s mission is to boost agricultural productivity sustainably by combining innovative solar irrigation systems with cutting-edge data analytics.
SunCulture is partnering with Advision Finance for expert advice on building a robust data strategy. René Braakman has been working with Advision and SunCulture specialists to develop a model to help farmers improve their profitability. This model is detailed in a farm plan that collects data from current and future scenarios, offering insights on how SunCulture can help the farmer to improve.
This collaborative project is set to transform how data drives sustainable agricultural financing, supporting farmer success and business growth across the region. In doing so, SunCulture is advancing the future of smart, solar-powered farming solutions.
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APO explores agricultural innovation
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In September the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) ran a study tour to the Netherlands to explore the cutting edge of agricultural innovation here. The trip aimed to identify new technologies and strategies for tackling food security, supply and nutrition challenges in APO member economies.
Global population growth, climate change and dwindling resources are putting pressure on farmers to produce sustainably and efficiently. By exploring pioneering Dutch solutions, the study tour helps APO members adapt to evolving demands while learning ways to mitigate risks and improve resilience.
Over the five-day itinerary, delegates from 15 Asian countries met leading Dutch experts, visited world-class research institutions and toured demonstration centres, all focused on breakthrough agricultural technologies.A major revelation for participants was the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and technology development.
This mission marks the start of enduring innovation partnerships across Asia and beyond.
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Moldova moves towards better agricultural research and
extension
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In August a delegation from the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) travelled to the Netherlands to learn how agricultural research and extension are organized and how responsibilities are divided between the government and the private sector. The programme focused primarily on livestock and horticulture (vegetables).
Although Moldova’s agricultural research system has undergone reform in recent years, there is still significant room for improvement, particularly in research quality and infrastructure. The reform process is still ongoing, with priorities including attracting young professionals, improving working conditions and career prospects and advancing digitalization.
Against this background, the delegation, led by Sergiu Gherciu, Secretary General of the Ministry, visited leading Dutch institutions conducting research and training in horticulture, dairy and poultry. The visit built on ongoing efforts by the Netherlands to help make the Moldovan agricultural sector more competitive.
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Training in plant nutrition for growers in Dalat, Vietnam
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In September HollandDoor organized a training session on plant nutrition for growers in the Dalat region. The training was part of the Partners for Water project “Improving water availability and safety through optimized irrigation and fertiliser application by hydroponic growers in Vietnam”.
Two growers hosted a pilot project cultivating sweet pepper crops, which involved drainwater collection, water storage and UV disinfection. After one year of cultivation using recirculated drainwater, the growers are convinced of the benefits that it brings: savings of 25% on water and 35% on fertilizers. The growers have learned a lot and are now investing in improved drain water collection methods.
During the course of the project, many other growers were also reached with practical workshops and field visits.
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Spotlight on Turkish female entrepreneurship in agriculture
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In mid-September we had the honour of hosting an inspiring group of female entrepreneurs from Turkey – the winners of the Women Farmers Travel Award, supported by Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş. This award celebrates female entrepreneurship, and for good reason! Each winner impressed us with her talent, perseverance and creativity. Their study tour to the Netherlands provided an in-depth look at the Dutch agricultural sector and created numerous opportunities for sharing knowledge. Together with Dutch entrepreneurs, we explored key challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, the role of government and the importance of working together.
We look back on a week that was not only filled with learning and knowledge sharing but also laid the foundation for future business relationships – especially in the olive oil industry, where exciting opportunities for cooperation between Turkish and Dutch companies are emerging.
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