Projects
NethWork supports the sustainable development of the horticultural market in Central America, by developing various projects and activities in cooperation with strong local partners. NethWork started in 2011 and since then examples of projects set up in Guatemala are:
- Journey 2 Sustainability
- Ter Laak AmericaS
- Holland Orchids
Education
Besides the setup of these projects, NethWork has put a lot of emphasis on the exchange of knowledge by means of Executive Managers Trainings (2 or 3 weeks each) in the Netherlands and Roadshows in Central America. During this week, the 3rd NethWork Roadshow focuses on ‘progress as a result of tailor made educational programs’ (Guatemala), ‘facilitating a new sector: horticulture’ (Nicaragua) and ‘added value instead of cost leadership’ (Costa Rica).
Guatemala
Guatemala can already be regarded as an ‘established’ horticultural producer, although many issues still can be improved. On a technical level, many companies have made great progress, but building up sufficient knowledge (technical and practical) is still a major challenge. Education is, of course, the answer.
Partner University ‘Rafael Landivar’ has cooperated closely with NethWork in the past five years, both in Guatemala and in the Netherlands. Via NethWork, contacts have been established with HAS University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Thanks to their close cooperation, this new Master program on protected horticulture has become a unique reality in Latin America.
Letter of Interest
On Monday, the 21st of November, various members of NethWork have signed a Letter of Interest with URL to contribute to the future success of this new program. Invited by NethWork, other Dutch companies like Dümmen Orange, Rijk Zwaan, Ter Laak AmericaS and Holland Orchids have also signed this LoI. A round table conference organised at the URL has already led to the first bilateral actions that will be taken between URL and the mentioned companies.
For more information:
www.nethwork.info