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| June 2024 |
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Dear ,
Thank you for reading our latest newsletter, where we share insights into our global activities and inspirational programs.
The projects presented give a comprehensive view of the diverse services we offer and the wide range of clients who depend on our expertise, including extension officers, farmer associations, and educational institutions. In partnership with our extensive network of experts, and in collaboration with our clients, we are committed to empowering the knowledge and skills of individuals and institutes to contribute to 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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Enhancing the value chain for agricultural products in Iraq
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The UNDP is supporting the Government of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq to foster regional development. Enhancing the value chain for agricultural products is a priority.
Blessed with fertile soil, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has the potential to become an important agricultural hub. To support the extension service, HollandDoor, in cooperation with AMBERO Consulting and Sprout Economics, is assessing the agricultural value chains in Kurdistan. For various high-potential crops, plans are being developed to introduce new farming methods and technologies, and to improve the marketing of agricultural products.
A capacity-building program is a key component of this initiative. As part of this program, several training sessions will be given this summer, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the extension personnel.
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Value chain training to empower dairy farmers in Lebanon
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Last December, we announced the launch of an ambitious project to strengthen the position of small-scale dairy farmers in Lebanon, in collaboration with the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training ( Lost).
The initial phase of our project focused on farm management practices. Recently, we progressed to practical training on value chain management (VCM). Participants engaged in interviews with different clients to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and potential market opportunities. Participants were taught practical approaches to turn obstacles into problem-solving actions or opportunities for beneficial improvements. While many challenges cannot be tackled by individual farmers alone, the VCM program is fostering a cooperative mindset.
We are confident that these initiatives will lead to significant improvements in their market position and overall livelihoods of the dairy farmers.
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Interesting study trip on dairy robotics and sensor technology
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In April 2024, HollandDoor organized a tailor-made program for DFA (Dairy Farmers Association) Haryana, India. During this study trip we focused on dairy robotics, sensor technology, and other innovations.
Dairy farming in the Netherlands presents significant challenges due to environmental regulations and the high costs of feed and land. The farmers from DFA Haryana found it fascinating to learn about these challenging issues first-hand. They were impressed by the size of the farms, the quality of the management, and the use of sensor technology. They also showed keen interest in rearing young stock with milk replacers and using udder care products.
Throughout the trip, there were extensive discussions on genetics/AI, TMR feeding, and milking parlors. The Haryana farmers are optimistic about introducing the first milk robot system in India by 2024!
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Export development of Cambodian agrifood products
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HollandDoor has embarked on an exciting assignment for the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development CAPRED. As the lead implementer, HollandDoor is teaming up with ProFound - Advisers In Development (Netherlands), Export Connect (Australia) and Cambodian expert Youssey Lak to enhance the export market readiness of ten Cambodian agribusiness SMEs, working with cashew nuts, rice, spices, and dried fruits.
Our initiative includes conducting in-depth market assessments of three European markets (the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom) and the Australian market. Based on these assessments, we’ll select one of these target markets for follow-up activities. The next steps involve a series of export management capacity-building workshops for the ten Cambodian SMEs, culminated in a business to business matchmaking visit to the selected market in Europe or Australia in the course of 2024.
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Cornell University study tour: Dutch agriculture and climate
change
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The tour highlighted both the successes and challenges of the sector and included a variety of visits to key agricultural stakeholders in the private sector, as well as education and research organizations. The program was designed to provide insights into the so-called “Dutch Diamond Approach”, which involves different Dutch stakeholders working together to shape developments in the sector. Students gained a better perspective on how localized solutions are addressing climate change challenges and what remains to be done.
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Scoping mission to Vietnam on TVET and auqaculture
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HollandDoor recently conducted a scoping mission to Vietnam on technical and vocational education (TVET) for aquaculture, where it explored educational cooperation opportunities for Dutch green knowledge institutions. This mission, a collaborative effort by Zone.college, Scalda, and HollandDoor and funded by Groenpact, focused on higher education, as well as pangasius and shrimp farming, and took place in the Mekong Delta. Some key findings of the mission were:
- There is a high need for both university-educated and a more technical workforce.
- There is declining perception and status of vocational colleges, leading to a downward spiral of funding.
- Especially larger (Dutch) companies see it as important to invest in skills development of their staff.
HollandDoor and the consortium partners have prepared a comprehensive report. This report aims to contribute to the further development of Dutch educational and private sector initiatives in the Vietnamese aquaculture sector.
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