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| January 2025 |
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Dear ,
At the start of this year, we take a moment to reflect on the year behind us.
2024 was a year marked by unavoidable news of conflict, suffering, polarization, climate challenges, and violence. Yet, it was also a year in which success stories found their way to us through social media. Stories of progress and achievement. And at times, this contrast felt surreal and unrealistic.
We are all part of these narratives. Our hope for 2025 is that we can collectively help to build a better and safer world – one where meaningful relationships thrive, where we listen to and support one another, and where we celebrate and share success stories. Not only commercially, but also environmentally and socially.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who placed their trust in us and collaborated with us over the past year. We look forward to continuing these relationships and partnerships in 2025.
Wishing you a prosperous and meaningful year ahead,
Ad, Cedric, Engelie, Geerten, Jos, Lisanne, Marian, Niek.
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European market opens door to Cambodian agrifood products
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HollandDoor is working together with the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development CAPRED to advance the global ambitions of Cambodian producers of cashew nuts, rice, spices, dried fruits, and salt towards market entry in Europe.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the Australian and European markets, the Netherlands emerged as the most promising long-term destination. HollandDoor and its partners organised a B2B matchmaking visit to the Netherlands in October 2024. The first stop for the Cambodian delegation was SIAL Paris, a leading global trade fairs in the food industry. The Cambodian SMEs found plenty of opportunities to connect with potential buyers from all over the globe. Building on this momentum, the delegation then engaged in more in-depth B2B meetings with industry stakeholders in the Netherlands, including in retail.
The Cambodian SMEs returned home inspired and optimistic. With guidance from HollandDoor and its partners, the SMEs are now preparing for actual market entry and consolidation in the first half of 2025.
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Empowering transformation: the impact of a trainee in Lebanon
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Karim Mazloum, stepped into his role following the tailor-made training (TMT) in diary farming given in Lebanon, eager to make a difference. He quickly immersed himself in the challenges faced by dairy farmers such as Ahmad Mahmoud Al Atrash from Shaat-Baalbek. Ahmad’s farm, like many in the region, suffered from outdated practices, limited resources and inadequate infrastructure.
Karim worked alongside local experts to provide tailored guidance. He recommended better housing for the cows, a reorganization of the feeding process and the introduction of modern diairy techniques. The most fundamental change was his suggestion to sell Ahmad’s existing herd and invest in nine Holstein Friesian cows, a breed known for higher milk yields. The results were remarkable. Within just two months, milk production soared, transforming Ahmad’s farm into a more efficient operation.
Ahmad’s success did not go unnoticed. Karim’s guidance not only transformed Ahmad’s farm – it set a new standard in the region. The success sparked a sense of hope in the community.
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Palestinian delegation explores the Dutch seed potato sector
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On behalf of the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah (NRO) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, HollandDoor organised a study visit for a Palestinian delegation to explore the Dutch seed potato sector. Bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Palestinian Authority, NGOs, and the private sector, the visit aimed to strengthen the potato seedlings chain, creating new opportunities for collaboration between Dutch and Palestinian businesses.
Throughout the visit, delegation members gained a greater understanding of seed potato production and post-harvest management. One of the key outcomes is the anticipated smoother entry of Dutch seed potatoes into the Palestinian Territories, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.The visit also enabled meaningful exchanges of information and the building of a network between organizations involved in potato export and production in both regions.
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"Smart Agriculture" course students of Nanjing Luhe
Vocational School in China receive one week training
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Nanjing Luhe Secondary Vocational School (Nanjing Luhe SVS), located in the Luhe District, north of Nanjing in China serves about 4,000 students, providing secondary vocational education.
Nanjing Luhe SVS invited HollandDoor to contribute to their "Smart Agriculture" course by providing 25 students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on smart agriculture. For a week, the program was highlighting global and regional agricultural and horticultural developments, while contextualizing them within China’s local climatic and agricultural conditions. The lessons were brought to life through practical workshops and excursions.
There was also a brainstorming session with teachers from the Agricultural Department of Nanjing Luhe SVS. These sessions facilitated knowledge exchange between Dutch and Chinese agricultural education approaches.
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HollandHolstein Show the highlight for DFA Haryana board
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In November 2024, the executive board of DFA Haryana, India embarked on a study travel to the Netherlands. The study travel focused on genetics, breeding, robotics, and sensor technology in dairy farming.
The highlight was the HollandHolstein Show. This prestigious event showcased the best Holstein cows in the Netherlands, celebrated for their top-quality confirmation and exceptional milk production.
DFA Haryana, keen to advance its dairy genetics, explored opportunities to import semen and embryos from Dutch genetics companies, such as CRV, HolsteinHerds, and Alta Genetics. The board also engaged with Dutch exhibitors specializing in dairy equipment, animal care products, and feeding systems during the exhibition.
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