The Agrifood and Dairy Sector in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe

The agrifood & dairy sector in the Northern Netherlands

While often overshadowed by the nation’s larger and more well-known Western regions, the Northern Netherlands is a region brimming with innovation, something apparent in its dynamic agrifood sector. The Northern Netherlands is a global powerhouse of agrifood innovation where collaboration between research institutes, higher education, and the private sector fuels a thriving agrifood industry, supported by local, regional, and national governments.

A rich agricultural landscape

Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe are major agricultural producers, cultivating key agricultural products such as sugar beet, potatoes, grains, and dairy. The region’s strategic geographical position offers easy road connections to Western Europe, a major port in Delfzijl, and seamless access to the EU’s single market, making it an ideal location for agrifood enterprises.

Innovation at the heart of agrifood

Leading the charge in agrifood innovation is Avebe, one of the Netherlands’ largest potato producers. In collaboration with Campus Groningen, Avebe established the Innolab Agrifood on the Zernike Campus. This cutting-edge facility not only houses Avebe’s R&D, but also provides space for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Companies here are pioneering functional food ingredients, nutraceuticals, and sustainability solutions.

Organisations driving agrifood development

Also on the Zernike Campus is the Carbohydrate Competence Centre (CCC). Founded in 2008, the CCC boasts a €34 million budget across four research programs. The centre operates on a demand-driven principle, fostering public-private partnerships. Current research focuses on ‘Carbohydrates for Nutrition and Health’ and ‘Carbohydrate Conversion and Processing.’ The CCC’s calendar includes symposia like the ‘Starch Round Table,’ promoting knowledge exchange and innovation.

In Friesland, dairy is king. The province is a major producer and exporter of Dutch cheese and dairy products, with around 18,000 dairy farmers. Dairy giant FrieslandCampina, in partnership with Wageningen University, the University of Groningen, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Nordwin College, and the local government, created the DairyCampus in Leeuwarden. This 14-hectare site is a research and training epicentre, exploring sustainable breeding, manure processing, sensor integration, water flow, and the lives of farmers.

The TCNN plays a pivotal role in agrifood research with initiatives like the Food Trendpanel and Trend Colleges. Their projects range from sustainable energy in prawn fishing to health ageing and energy efficiency. These initiatives cater to SMEs, startups, and established companies, fostering innovation across the sector.

Greenlincs, Fascinating and the future of agrifood

Greenlincs, an initiative by regional investment and development company NOM, spearheads several projects vital to the agrifood sector. The Biorefinery Cluster aims to create a CO2-neutral environment, while cross-border collaborations with Germany and national think-centres drive forward-thinking agrifood strategies. This initiative embodies the future of agrifood in the Northern Netherlands, fostering sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation.

Adding to this landscape is the Fascinating program, which is currently partnered with the Province of Groningen to promote a Northern Dutch agricultural sector that incorporates sustainability, nature, healthy food, and economic impact into its operational model. Fascinating stands for Food Agro Sustainable Circular Nature Technology in Groningen, and this is reflected in its holistic approach to developing a sustainable approach to the sector in the historically agriculture-centered region of the Northern Netherlands. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative practices, the program aims to ensure that the entire agrifood chain—from healthy soil to the consumer’s plate—operates in an environmentally friendly and economically viable manner.

The agrifood sector in the Northern Netherlands is a beacon of innovation and collaboration. With strong support from research institutions, the private sector, and government initiatives, the region is well-positioned to lead the future of sustainable and innovative agrifood practices. This vibrant ecosystem offers endless opportunities for growth and development, making it a prime destination for agrifood professionals and enterprises.