Farmers in the Netherlands feeding the rest of the world

Published by

on


Did you know that Holland is a centre of innovation in agriculture despite its cramped conditions and high labour costs? Did you know Holland’s area is only 41,000 square kilometers, while Konya’s is 38,000 square kilometers? So how does Holland manage to break agricultural records? Here, you can find out how they grow more food with fewer resources.

In Holland, where land and labour are expensive, farmers are forced to work incredibly efficiently. They don’t focus on increasing their acreage, but on increasing their yield per hectare. This drive for efficiency has made them pioneers of precision agriculture and technology.

Take, for example, a Dutch greenhouse that produces an incredible 100 million tomatoes a year on just 14.5 hectares of land. Using hydroponic systems, they ensure that the plants grow in a clean environment and that nutrients and water are precisely controlled. Compared to conventional growing methods, these greenhouses use 50% less energy and significantly less water.

Precision farming is not just about growing more, but also about doing so in a sustainable way. Farmers in Holland use advanced techniques such as soil scans and thermal imaging cameras to monitor soil quality, detect diseases early and manage water stress effectively. This not only improves yield and quality, but also minimises the impact on the environment.

Why is this important? As the world faces increasing food demand and less available land, the innovations of Dutch agriculture provide a blueprint for sustainable agriculture worldwide. By investing in precision agriculture, the Netherlands is not only ensuring its economic success, but also a sustainable future for agriculture.

So the next time you savour a tomato, think about the precision and innovation behind it – all thanks to the forward-thinking farmers of Holland.

Source

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/holland-agriculture-sustainable-farming

https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23627509/netherlands-dairy-cow-protests-seeds-farming-agriculture-climate

Leave a comment