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East Netherlands: a global hub for Agri-Food innovation

The Netherlands is a global agrifood powerhouse, renowned as Europe’s leading food region. As the world’s second-largest exporter of food products, the country sets the standard for agricultural innovation and excellence. It is also home to Wageningen University & Research (WUR), ranked the number one university worldwide for agriculture and forestry.

This unique ecosystem, driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration, offers an ideal environment for agrifood businesses. Combining cutting-edge research, robust infrastructure, and a talent-rich workforce, the Netherlands is the place where agrifood innovation thrives.

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Europe’s Agri-Food innovation hotspot

Located in East Netherlands, the Dutch Food Valley is the heart of the country’s agrifood success story. This vibrant region attracts innovators from around the globe, blending research institutes, multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups into a thriving ecosystem. East Netherlands is internationally acclaimed for its contributions to food, nutrition, and agricultural sciences.

A hub of excellence

At the core of the Dutch Food Valley is Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a global leader in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. Together with over 3,000 agrifood-related companies and 15,000 experts from 110+ nationalities, this region drives breakthroughs in sustainable food production and nutrition.

Top global brands choose the Dutch Food Valley

Multinational companies such as Vivera, Unilever, FrieslandCampina, Kraft Heinz, and Nestlé have established R&D centers here. Their presence highlights the Dutch Food Valley’s appeal as a premier destination for agrifood innovation.

More about Food Valley

Europe’s Agri-Food innovation hotspot

Located in East Netherlands, the Dutch Food Valley is the heart of the country’s agrifood success story. This vibrant region attracts innovators from around the globe, blending research institutes, multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups into a thriving ecosystem. East Netherlands is internationally acclaimed for its contributions to food, nutrition, and agricultural sciences.

A hub of excellence

At the core of the Dutch Food Valley is Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a global leader in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. Together with over 3,000 agrifood-related companies and 15,000 experts from 110+ nationalities, this region drives breakthroughs in sustainable food production and nutrition.

Top global brands choose the Dutch Food Valley

Multinational companies such as Vivera, Unilever, FrieslandCampina, Kraft Heinz, and Nestlé have established R&D centers here. Their presence highlights the Dutch Food Valley’s appeal as a premier destination for agrifood innovation.

Man die een glas vasthoudt bij Hudson River

Kalsec quickly finds its way onto Wageningen Campus

Wageningen is 'the place to be', with the best university in the field of 'food'

Maria Tzoumaki - director of discovery at Kalsec

 

Our ecosystems

Oost NL boosts innovative ecosystems in East Netherlands. We achieve this by investing, fostering innovation, and building international connections.

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foto Angelique van Helvoort

Angelique van Helvoort

advisor Health, Food

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+31 6 48 66 19 25

angelique.vanhelvoort@oostnl.nl

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