Mark Zonnenberg has served as the LVVN agricultural attaché at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington, D.C., since August 2025. Together with his colleagues from the LVVN Agricultural Attaché Network (LAN), he is responsible for the United States and Canada. As the world's second-largest agricultural exporter, the Netherlands is an important partner for the US, particularly in greenhouse technology and protein innovation, Zonnenberg explains in Agroberichten Buitenland. Canada, which is also part of his remit, shows strong interest in Dutch innovations as well.
"One of our central pillars is horticulture, especially greenhouse technology," says Zonnenberg. "Recent research by Hillenraad Consulting shows that the eastern United States in particular represents a growing market for Dutch greenhouse horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture (the cultivation of crops in a protected or enclosed environment). The demand for regional food security, shorter supply chains and year-round production is increasing, although the level of development varies considerably from state to state."
He also points to opportunities in Canada. "The province of Alberta, for example, is positioning itself as a new Canadian greenhouse hotspot. Through the 'Growing Greenhouses' programme, the province is investing CAD 10 million in energy-efficient and automated greenhouses to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. The combination of policy support and strong population growth makes the region attractive for Dutch greenhouse and AgTech companies."
"In addition, AgTech more broadly plays an important role, ranging from drones to harvesting and milking robots and related technologies. Alternative proteins are another major theme, as are fisheries and fishtech, referring to the application of modern, innovative technologies in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors."
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland
