Dutch Agricultural Innovation Policy Applauded for Recent Successes
Amsterdam, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
Evaluated from 2019-2023, Dutch policies show effectiveness yet call for tighter research-to-application linkages in the sector. These insights are critical for tackling sustainability challenges.
Effectiveness of Dutch Agricultural Policies
An evaluation conducted by the research agency Berenschot highlights the effectiveness of the Netherlands’ agricultural innovation policies from 2019 to 2023. The report emphasizes that these policies have successfully enhanced the country’s knowledge position in agriculture, fisheries, and nature sectors. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Dutch Agrarian Knowledge and Innovation System is regarded as one of the top systems globally [1][2].
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite the successes, the Berenschot report identifies a need for improved integration between research initiatives and real-world applications. The gaps between these two areas are critical, especially as the sector faces challenges like nitrogen emissions, drought, and loss of natural resilience [1]. The findings have been acknowledged by Minister Femke Wiersma, who plans to incorporate these insights into future policy enhancements [1].
Responding to Sustainability Challenges
One of the key recommendations by Berenschot is the enhancement of policy tools that bring innovation swiftly into practice. Existing initiatives like the Agricultural Business Advisory and Education (SABE) and the European Innovation Partnership are early steps towards bridging these gaps [1]. Further recommendations also suggest making the responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN) more explicit and funding more transparent, ensuring innovations align with practical needs [2].
Commitment to Future Innovation
The Dutch government has indicated a strong commitment to implementing Berenschot’s recommendations to maintain its leadership in agricultural innovation. By focusing on strategic management of funding and encouraging learning from policy implementation, the Netherlands aims to bolster its position at the forefront of green innovation, addressing both local and global sustainability challenges [1].