The Dutch horticulture sector is known globally for its innovative industry with high standards of excellence. The sector excels in sustainable production methods, water recycling, tissue culture, solar energy, greenhouse technology, and integrated pest management strategies.

Dutch know-how and expertise in flowers, fruits and vegetables is increasingly available for use by African farmers and stakeholders. Green Farming Kenya—“Partners for perfect solutions”—aims to combine Dutch technology and experience with that of their African partners to develop custom-made product and service packages that meet farmers’ production needs. Fifteen private investors and entrepreneurs, business consultants and trade representatives from the Netherlands, and staff from the Netherlands Mission in Tanzania and Netherland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs convened at AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, Tanzania on 23 January 2015 to explore how to strengthen cooperation ties between Dutch and East African business networks. The group visited local companies and institutions involved in horticultural activities, identified local investment opportunities, and assessed market openings for horticulture products from the Netherlands, such as seed, fertilizer, greenhouses, and irrigation equipment.

AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa Genebank Manager Tsvetelina Stoilova explains the activities undertaken to conserve, characterize and distribute elite germplasm.

Postharvest Research Associate Roseline Mareale, tells visitors how climate- smart technology such as the zero energy cooling chamber (ZECC) can help farmers to keep their vegetables cool to reduce waste after harvesting.

Fekadu Dinssa, AVRDC Vegetable Breeder, speaks on the two success stories of ‘Tanya’ and ‘Tengeru 97’ as a result of the long partnerships between AVRDC and private companies.