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| October 2024 |
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Dear ,
Welcome to our latest newsletter!
Just like any other business, farming requires a focus on long-term sustainability.
To stay competitive and profitable, farmers need to improve their farm practices, reinvest profits into better operations, have awareness of market developments, and apply financial planning.
In this edition we share our latest activities that show how we help countries and organizations to create a sustainable agricultural business climate.
If you are interested in discovering how our knowledge and experience can benefit you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Pitch your business plan: Farming in Ethiopia as a business
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In March 2023, HollandDoor launched a TMT project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, entitled: "Strengthening, updating and rolling out practical agricultural skills through vocational training with a focus on job creation for women and youth". The project was carried out in partnership with Q-Point B.V., ECMA (Ethiopian Commercial Milk Producers Association), Gender2Connect and Alage College.
In June, we held the last training. It focused on capacity building in dairy farming skills and business development. The final day of the training was dedicated to the pitch event. On this final day, participants were able to pitch their business plan to a panel of experts which engaged enthusiastically, asking some insightful questions and providing valuable feedback.
Together with the participants, we look back on a successful event and training program. Indeed, several of the business plans showed such promise that they will most likely be continued!
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First pilot sites for drainage water recycling in Vietnam
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The arrival of two VitaLite systems from the Ridder Group and water tanks from Royal Brinkman mark the start of a new phase in the project "Improving water availability and safety through optimized irrigation and fertilizer application by hydroponic growers in Vietnam". The two pilot farms of the project have been busy setting up and commissioning the systems to collect and recycle drainage water. These two pilot locations enable us to share knowledge on drainage water recycling and collect data to measure the return on investments, water efficiency and fertilizer savings.
Early September HollandDoor and Fresh Studio organized the first field days to demonstrate the drainage water recycling system to interested growers and organized several training sessions on irrigation and fertigation strategies in combination with drainage water recycling.
The strong turnout and engaging discussions during the first field days, where growers visited both pilot sites, highlight the growing interest in this initiative.
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Study tour for Swiss teachers to learn from Dutch agriculture
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A group of twelve teachers from the Berusbildungzentrum Natur & Ernährung Luzern in Switzerland decided to make the most of their holiday by combining professional development with leisure on a study trip to the Netherlands. HollandDoor took the opportunity to organize an enjoyable trip for this great group.
For HollandDoor, this trip was also a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the Swiss education system, which emphasizes practical, long-term training at various levels.
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Thailand's journey toward the future of farming
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With aspirations to become a key global food supplier, Thailand is actively working to foster innovation in its agricultural sector. The country is focusing on enhancing farming techniques to boost the productivity and value of agricultural products, while supporting farmers in their shift toward smart agriculture.
The tour provided insights into precision farming, robotics, automation, collaborative efforts, water-saving strategies, food safety, e-partnerships, nature-inclusive farming, biological pest control and partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions. Sustainable cultivation management was also a key focus.
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Value chain development in Kurdish region of Iraq
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The protected horticulture sector in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, has expanded significantly over the past 15 years. Since 2007, the Bazian Valley has transformed from having no greenhouses to hosting an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 plastic tunnel houses by 2024. This increase has been largely driven by the demand for cucumbers in Federal Iraq. This development has generated employment and opportunities to substitute imported products.
Despite the growth in protected structures, the value chain beyond the farm gate faces several challenges. Issues such as high price volatility, lack of proper grading, packaging, transportation, cool chain logistics, distrust in food safety and in reliability of partnerships need attention.
HollandDoor conducted, in partnership with its Erbil-based partner, Snoxell Agribusiness Consulting, a value chain analysis and needs assessment in Sulaymaniyah. The outcome was a detailed needs analysis and the design of a program that aims to improve profitability, reduce food waste, and ensure food safety. The project is expected to help the horticulture sector overcome significant bottlenecks, enhancing the entire value chain.
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