Kenyan agri- entrepreneurs to visit Netherlands

Agribusiness stakeholders in the country are set for a trade mission to the Netherlands to study innovative food production systems and agricultural export models. 

The three-day mission will largely focus on horticulture, but integrate general agribusiness, seeking to expose Kenya to the Dutch’s developed and sustainable economy, mainly driven by innovative agribusiness production.

The tour, which will run from June 11 to 15 2018, has been organised by Changemaker International and Capacity Africa, an initiative that supports youth to harness their potential as change-makers. 

“The key objective of this mission is to strengthen local production systems, access international markets, stimulate local food production and expand investment opportunities in agribusiness,” said John Karegwa, the organisers’ spokesperson. 

Through the involvement of partners such as GreenTech Trade Expo, and the Netherlands Export Combination (NEC), experts from the international horticultural industry, research institutes, and governmental institutions will share their insights and experience with the Kenyan delegates.

With trade volumes between the two countries standing at Sh60 billion in 2016, Netherlands is Kenya’s third largest trading partner, with major Kenyan exports to Netherlands comprising horticulture, and importing machinery, chemicals and services.

SHOWCASE MILESTONES IN THE SECTOR

The country is also the second largest exporter and importer of agribusiness products and has positioned itself as a world leader in agricultural innovations and hence provides the best lessons for developing agricultural economies like Kenya.

While Kenya counts on agriculture for input in both household and national incomes, with 80 percent of the population depending on it and contributing 65 percent of all foreign earnings, the sector still remains largely underdeveloped.

Harvest loses and wastage, poor marketing, low uptake of technology and weather changes decrease farmers’ earnings across the value chain, despite the sector showing great prospects for growth.

“This mission hence expects to attract buyers and investors to Kenya, as it showcases the milestones in the sector, with participants benefiting from information-sharing, market access and potential financial support,” noted Mr Karegwa.

Delegates will also visit GreenTech Expo in Amsterdam, one of the leading horticulture and agribusiness exhibitions in the world, business workshops on industry’s best practices and opportunities available, matchmaking potential investors, buyers and suppliers, horticultural farms and factories outside Amsterdam, and networking forums among others, according to him.