Agriculture - Chile EN
This page highlights how the Netherlands and Chile collaborate in agriculture. It explains Dutch expertise in sustainable farming, horticulture, and agri-tech, and shows how Dutch companies and knowledge institutions contribute to modernizing Chile’s agricultural sector. You’ll also find examples of Dutch projects, technologies, and research, as well as opportunities for cooperation.
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Global Challenges in Agriculture
Population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation are pressing global challenges. By 2050, the UN estimates the world population will reach 9.7 billion, increasing food demand by up to 98%. Meeting this demand requires sustainable food systems, healthier diets, less waste, and greater awareness among businesses and consumers. Co-creation and knowledge sharing across the food chain are essential.
Dutch Agriculture
The Netherlands is a world leader in agriculture, exporting goods, food products, and technology worth €123 billion in 2023. Fertile soils, precision farming, and continuous innovation make Dutch agriculture globally competitive. Sectors such as horticulture, fisheries, and agribusiness contribute significantly to prosperity and sustainability.
Agricultural ties between Chile and the Netherlands
Chile produces fruit, wine, cellulose, and salmon, while the Netherlands is known for vegetables, flowers, cheese, and genetic material. Both countries have export-oriented agricultural sectors. The Port of Rotterdam serves as a gateway to Europe, making the Netherlands the third-largest importer of Chilean agro-food products in 2019. Dutch companies also provide innovative solutions in Chile, from sustainable technology to logistics and finance.
Our agricultural working area
We strengthen agricultural relations by:
- Supporting market access (veterinary & phytosanitary) and providing market information,
- Identifying Dutch business opportunities for Chilean challenges,
- Maintaining networks with universities, private sector, and public actors,
- Promoting bilateral cooperation through the Dutch Diamond approach (government, private sector, knowledge institutions, civil society).
Dutch projects and technologies in Chile
The international Farming the Future campaign showcases Dutch contributions to global food security and nutrition. Dutch expertise in agri-food and horticulture promotes sustainable food systems and creates opportunities worldwide. Watch the video Farming The Future on YouTube.
Circular Agriculture
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture prioritizes sustainable food systems, focusing on animal welfare, food safety, greenhouse technology, and climate adaptation. Circular agriculture reduces emissions, reuses residual flows, and closes production systems.
Agro Tech
Dutch horticulture demonstrates how technology drives sustainability. About 40% of vegetable seeds worldwide originate from the Netherlands, with Chile playing a key role in production. The Netherlands is also the largest exporter of fresh vegetables globally. Its logistics network ensures rapid delivery worldwide. Watch the video NL agricultura (Spanish) on YouTube.
Agro-Food Research
The Netherlands is a hub for agro-food Research and Development (R&D), with institutions like Wageningen University & Research closely tied to Chile. Twelve of the world’s largest food companies have R&D facilities in the Netherlands. Innovations such as smart storage and packaging technologies are widely applied in Chile. Watch the video NL agricultura (Spanish) on YouTube.
Working Together with the Netherlands on Agriculture
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chile supports partnerships in agriculture. We connect Chilean stakeholders with Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and government partners to co-develop sustainable solutions.
Together, we can strengthen food security, modernize agricultural practices, and promote innovation.
Eleonora Pizarro
Do you want to know more? Please contact our Agricultural advisor.