News » 12.09.2025 - Dutch horticultural mission strengthens collaboration with Japan for future-proof production
From August 30 to September 6, a Dutch delegation of 42 participants – including 26 companies and knowledge institutions from across the horticulture ecosystem – traveled to Japan for the NL HortiRoad2Osaka trade mission. Jointly organized by Dutch Greenhouse Delta, the Municipality of Westland, and the Netherlands Embassy in Japan, the mission aimed to strengthen collaboration between governments, businesses, and knowledge partners, contributing to a future-proof, locally resilient food and flower production system in Japan.
At the heart of the mission was Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): cultivation in greenhouses and indoor farms that support sustainable, resilient, and high-quality production. This ambition was highlighted at the CEA Symposium, the Netherlands' flagship horticultural event in Japan, where the Dutch–Japanese CEA network met to exchange knowledge. Keynotes were delivered by former NASA scientist Raymond Wheeler, Vice Minister for Agriculture of the Netherlands Marten van den Berg, and Westland Mayor Bouke Arends. Panel discussions addressed topics such as decarbonization, the creation of agri valleys, and advances in AI and robotics, while Westland Municipality renewed its collaboration with Kochi Prefecture.
Challenges for Japanese horticulture
The mission also highlighted the pressing challenges facing Japanese horticulture. Climate change, high energy costs, environmental pressures, and plant diseases are putting production under strain. At the same time, an aging farming population, small-scale businesses, fragmented land ownership, low profitability, and high reliance on imports increase the sector's vulnerability. These issues formed a key part of the discussions between Japanese growers, suppliers, government representatives, and the Dutch delegation.
Opportunities for collaboration and innovation
The Dutch participants brought knowledge, technology, and practical expertise that can help address these challenges. Innovations such as robotics, automation, sensor technology, data-driven cultivation, biological crop protection, and circular solutions offer opportunities to optimize production and enhance resilience. Regional cooperation, such as the long-standing partnership between Westland and Kochi, demonstrated how knowledge exchange and joint projects can deliver concrete results.
Program and visits
Alongside the CEA Symposium, the mission included visits to World Expo 2025 in Osaka, networking events, and site visits to greenhouses and plant factories in Ibaraki, Mie, Aichi, and Shizuoka prefectures. These activities gave the delegation a clear picture of the current state of horticulture in Japan, while opening doors for collaboration with growers, suppliers, and government representatives. Key topics included climate adaptation, profitable business models, attracting new generations, and leveraging technology and innovation.
Cultivating the future on Common Ground
The NL HortiRoad2Osaka mission confirmed that the Netherlands and Japan can take joint steps toward a sustainable, profitable, and future-proof food system. This effort is not only about technological solutions but also about partnerships that connect, enrich, and strengthen both countries. With 425 years of diplomatic relations, both countries share a strong foundation to reap the benefits of collaboration, making healthy, sustainable, and locally produced food and flowers accessible for everyone.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
« Back