Agricultural exports reach record levels
In 2013 the total value of agricultural exports from the Netherlands grew to a record level of 79 billion Euros, up five per cent compared to 2012. Dutch Minister for Agriculture Dijksma announced these new figures from the Dutch Agricultural Economics Research Institute during the International Green Week in Berlin.
'These figures underline the importance of the agricultural sector in the recovery of the Dutch economy,” the Minister said. “The Netherlands is a world leader in agriculture and, after the United States, the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world. That’s something we must cherish.'
Dutch agricultural trade is especially focused on countries within the European Union. Eighty per cent of Dutch agricultural exports are destined for the 27 EU countries. Germany is by far the Netherlands’ most important trading partner, receiving 28.5 per cent of our agricultural exports, with a total value of 22.4 billion Euros. Growth in exports to Germany has risen by five per cent, the same as for the agricultural sector in total. Main exports to Germany from the Netherlands include meat, dairy products and eggs, horticultural products and fruit and vegetables. Cheese exports increased, while there was a decrease in butter exports. There was also a clear rise in exports of fruit and vegetables compared to the last two years, with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers being the most important products. Meat exports also increased, with a rise in the export of pork and poultry meat, but a slight decrease in the export of beef.
Largest agricultural trade show
The International Green Week Berlin is the largest trade show for food, agriculture and horticulture in the world. Around half a million visitors are expected to visit the event this year. The Netherlands has been represented at the Green Week since the 1953 edition, and “Qualität wächst in Holland” (quality grows in the Netherlands) was chosen as this year’s motto. The Dutch pavillion is home to representatives from the agricultural, horticultural, fisheries and food sectors.