Greenhouses and Farm Exports

How the tiny Netherlands became the world's second largest agricultural exporter by value, using greenhouses, research at Wageningen and flower auctions.

The Netherlands is a farming superpower.

Exports

It is the world’s second largest farm exporter by value, after the US.

Greenhouses

Huge greenhouse areas in the Westland grow tomatoes, peppers and flowers year-round.
High yields using less water per kilo.

Research

Wageningen University is a world leader in agricultural science.

Flowers

Royal FloraHolland at Aalsmeer runs one of the world’s largest flower auctions.

Re-exports

Part of the export value comes from re-exported goods.

Costs

Intensive livestock creates nitrogen pollution.

The flower auction

Roses from Kenya are sold at Aalsmeer and shipped to shops across Europe within a day.

Thinking big farm exporters need lots of land

Productivity matters more.

Key takeaways

The Netherlands is the second largest farm exporter.
Greenhouses give high yields.
Wageningen leads research.
Aalsmeer hosts a huge flower auction.