Agriculture : Dutch official: Romania's agricultural sector has enormous potential

Romania's agricultural sector boasts enormous potential, with the country well placed to become a leader in sustainable food production, Mr Ralf van de Beek, Director for International Agribusiness and Food Security, said on Thursday, at "The Netherlands Day @ Indagra" event.Van de Beek noted that with its rich soils, diverse climate, and strong agricultural traditions, Romania could become not only a significant agricultural producer in Europe but also a valuable partner for the Netherlands in developing resilient and innovative food systems for the future.He stressed that a thriving agricultural sector relies heavily on a skilled and innovative workforce and entrepreneurial farmers, who are the ones making agricultural value chains work, driving innovation, and improving productivity, resilience, and sustainability. They also ensure high-quality, safe food reaches tables across the country.The Dutch official described it as a true honour to lead the commercial mission in Romania, which comprises 19 participants representing 15 Dutch companies and organisations. He explained that the mission aims to explore and strengthen ties between Romania and the Netherlands to promote resilient agri-food systems capable of thriving amid the challenges facing Europe and a turbulent global landscape.Van de Beek also outlined the closely linked objectives pursued by his ministry, including providing a long-term perspective for the agricultural, fishery, and horticultural sectors, supporting global food security in the context of climate change, and promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity worldwide. These goals, he said, guide Dutch actions and contribute to increasing the resilience of agri-food systems in the future.He emphasised that the Dutch approach is built on a strong public-private partnership, known as the "Dutch Diamond" model, which brings together government, businesses, researchers, civil society, and increasingly financial institutions, acknowledging that governments alone cannot provide the necessary funding."The Netherlands Day @ Indagra" event took place on Thursday at Romexpo, coinciding with the Dutch agricultural mission visiting Romania. The event focused on ways to increase the resilience of the agri-food sector, both from the EU and Romanian perspectives, at both policy and practical levels.Romania's most prominent agricultural event, Indagra & Indagra Food 2025, opened on Wednesday at the Romexpo Exhibition Centre, bringing together 420 companies from 20 countries.