Dutch golden triangle (business-knowledge institutes-government) visited Bulgaria in April to explore and expand opportunities for bilateral cooperation in horticulture. The visit was a follow-up of the Dutch horticultural mission from October 2022. The group met with representatives of Bulgarian fruit and vegetable producers and other agri-businesses, government, non-governmental organizations, and knowledge institutions.
The main visit goals were getting first-hand impressions on the challenges and needs in the Bulgarian fruit and vegetable sector in order to match them with the most suitable solutions the Netherlands could offer, outlining a number of specific fields where cooperation is mostly needed, and establishing institutional and working relationships with key Bulgarian stakeholders willing to actively partner in future initiatives.
Three main directions for cooperation were highlighted during the series of meetings:
Post-harvest handling and processing - Know-how transfer from Dutch businesses and knowledge institutes in creating and operating a successful business model.
Capacity building in the development of functional cooperatives and producer groups that would improve structurally the fruit and vegetable supply chain.
Development of demonstration farm/facility for technology and knowledge exchange between businesses and educational institutions from both countries.
The Netherlands has identified the huge potential of Bulgaria in horticulture and is willing to partner in unlocking it. To turn the challenges into opportunities. The Embassy in Sofia is committed to supporting Bulgarian fruit and vegetable production in its inevitable leap to a higher level.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl