In recent years, Serbia has recorded steady growth in agricultural exports and a notable trade surplus in this sector. Yet, the country faces challenges ranging from alignment with increasingly strict EU standards to adapting to climate change. This is precisely where the Netherlands, a global leader in agricultural innovation and technology, sees its role.
We spoke with Michiel van Erkel, the Regional Agricultural Attache at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Belgrade, about how the knowledge and expertise of Dutch institutes and companies can be transferred to local producers, what the opening of the Agricultural Network office in Belgrade will bring, and which new opportunities for cooperation are emerging for Serbia and the wider region.
1. What motivated the decision to move the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) office from Budapest to Belgrade, and what impact do you expect this change will have on cooperation with Serbia and the Western Balkans?
In the Netherlands we noticed a growing demand with both agriculture related industry and knowledge institutes for the countries in the Western Balkans. Offering adequate services and knowledge when posted in Budapest – with main focus on Hungary and Austria, was less possible.
Secondly, we also feel that the EU process is gaining momentum, with different progress in different countries, but in all cases good possibilities to cooperate also with other international partners in the region.
With this change I look forward to an intensification of the bilateral relationship in the field of agriculture, with all countries in the regio, but – being posted in Belgrade with excellent and experienced colleagues – specifically with Serbia. Together with my economic colleagues in our Embassies in the other countries we will engage with governments, businesses and knowledge institutes and explore possibilities for cooperation in support to the future accession to the EU.
2. At the Novi Sad Agricultural Fair, Dutch companies presented AgriTech and regenerative practices. Which specific technological models or innovations do you plan to further promote in Serbia, and how do you envision involving local partners?
Technology and innovations are necessary to support agri-entrepreneurs – that’s how I see many of the farmers – to be prepared for the future accession to the EU markets. But also to be able to fight climate change, to contribute to food security, and to answer to growing consumer demands for healthy and safe food.
Globally, but of course also here in the Western Balkans, farmers face challenges like too much or too little water, rising temperature, changing seasons. In the Netherlands innovation is key for the future of our agriculture, and we want to share that technology and knowledge world wide. Indeed, together with Wageningen University & Research, we will continue to promote regenerative agriculture and all the aspects this encompasses.
Think of the introduction of precision agriculture, which helps to reduce the use of pesticides, of satellite and big data that help farmers to tend to their land but also to better understand the market trends. And what could be the possibilities for protected (green house) high tech production here in the region? Would it be possible to use thermal power for heating and cooling, use precise drip irrigation to improve efficient use of water? Can smart climate computer support higher yields of nutritious vegetables? Also in animal husbandry, for example in poultry, I think the knowledge and technology from the Netherlands can contribute to the sector moving to the next level. Improved farm hygiene can reduce the need for expensive antibiotics, which also reduces the risk of AMR (anti microbial resistance in humans), which is a great global health concern.
Just dumping this Dutch knowledge and technology on the market here in the Western Balkan doesn’t work. Dutch companies need partners who know the market, but it is also the task of the embassy to engage with local partners, to understand their needs. And with local governments to discuss the creation of a good and fair business environment.
3. Serbia has been recording a significant agricultural trade surplus and an upward trend in exports. How does LAN assist local producers in meeting increasingly strict EU standards on sustainability, transparency, and food safety?"
This starts with information and knowledge. Again, engaging, communicating with local farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, to understand their needs, but also to inform them about what the (EU) market is demanding. And then connecting them to knowledge and technology providers. For example, sustainability often starts with access for farmers to the best, newest, more climate resilient starting materials (seeds, seed potatoes) or in animal husbandry, genetical material.
Dutch companies can provide many of these, but for this it is necessary that they have market access and that for example EU rules on growers rights and intellectual property are also met in the region, so that companies feel comfortable in doing business. Exports to the EU are an EU-competence, so the Netherlands Embassy also engages with the EU delegation here in the region. But we will also support local producers in finding Dutch partners, who in their turn will know what the demands and regulations in the EU market are and what possibly needs to further improve to actually enter the market.
4. In cooperation with Dutch institutions, how do you support the development of phytosanitary and veterinary standards in Serbia? Are joint trainings or technical workshops planned?
We first of all have a long standing government-to-government engagement between the Netherlands and Serbia. On a regular basis officials meet to discuss progress in the development of the bilateral relation and what steps could be taken to further improve it. Often phytosanitary and veterinary topics are on the agenda. I think one of the most important activities resulting from these discussion are the visits by Serbian officials to the Netherlands to personally see and experience how we our system works – seeing is believing and understanding! We as an embassy together with our colleagues and relevant partners in the Netherlands in such cases prepare a visit-program customized to the wishes and needs of our Serbian partners.
5. What concrete programs—such as trade missions, matchmaking events, or seminars—is LAN currently implementing in Serbia? How do you measure success in practice, and what initiatives are planned for the upcoming period?
Of course, we are looking into our presence at the Novy Sad fair, and we hope that a growing number of Dutch partners will join us. We are thinking of organizing side events, for example a seminar on regenerative agriculture or to organize match making for Dutch entrepreneurs participating with potential Serbian or other regional partners. And to organize a reception to offer opportunities for networking. I also look forward to participate at relevant events in Serbia, to talk about what the Netherlands may have to offer in support of the further development of agriculture. Within the capacity of the Embassy and LAN, we will look into new and other initiatives in the upcoming months.
Measuring is always a challenge. We always say, that from contacts come contracts, but these things take time, sometimes years. Is a Serbian-Dutch joint venture established today the result of a first contact made at an network event two years ago? That is difficult to measure. But I look forward to a growing number of Dutch companies that will find their way to Serbia and the other countries in the region. So please come back to me in four years from now to learn how it has been.
(EUpravo zato)
