Zo ziet de Nederlandse voedselindustrie eruit (2/2) l VPRO Tegenlicht

Summary

The video script delves into the Netherlands' Seed Valley, a hub for global seed production using advanced breeding techniques to develop high-yield, disease-resistant vegetable varieties. It touches on the sale of Dutch seed companies, like Syngenta, to foreign entities, raising concerns about strategic assets. The script also explores modern agriculture, including automated planting and the rise of pre-cut vegetables in supermarkets. It addresses food waste, with a focus on how discarded food is converted into biogas and animal feed. The narrative includes a visit to an indoor vertical farm in Amsterdam, discussing its high efficiency and low environmental impact, and concludes with a look at Rotterdam's port, a pivotal hub for global trade.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The Netherlands, particularly the region around Enkhuizen and Medemblik, is home to Seed Valley, where major seed companies produce high-quality seeds for agriculture worldwide.
• 🔬 These companies are developing new vegetable varieties using the latest seed breeding techniques, aiming for higher yield, disease resistance, and better adaptability to extreme weather conditions such as drought, flooding, and excessive rainfall.
• 🌐 The majority of the seeds produced are for export, indicating the global reach of Dutch seed companies.
• 🏭 Some of the largest seed companies, like Syngenta, have been sold to foreign entities, raising questions about the strategic implications of such acquisitions.
• 🌱 The process of seed delivery involves direct shipment to retailers or growers, who then cultivate the seeds into plants.
• 🤖 The use of technology in agriculture is highlighted by the example of a driverless tractor that plants seedlings with the help of a planting robot, showcasing automation in farming.
• 🥗 The trend towards 'veggie cutting factories' where vegetables are pre-cut and packaged for convenience in supermarkets raises questions about consumers' knowledge of whole vegetables.
• 🚮 The issue of food waste is addressed, with a focus on how discarded food is turned into biogas, highlighting efforts to reduce waste and utilize byproducts.
• 🐷 The script discusses the feeding of animals with food industry byproducts, such as popcorn and bread, which are repurposed into animal feed, emphasizing the circular economy in food production.
• 🌱 The potential of indoor farming is explored, with a focus on a farm in Amsterdam that uses LED lighting to grow leafy greens year-round with minimal water and pesticide use, suggesting a sustainable approach to urban agriculture.

Q & A

What is Seat Valley and where is it located?

Seat Valley is a region in the Netherlands, around Enkhuizen and Medemblik, known for its large seed companies that produce high-quality seeds for agriculture and gardening worldwide.

What kind of advancements are being made in seed development in Seat Valley?

In Seat Valley, new vegetable varieties are being developed using the latest seed refining technologies. These new varieties are designed to yield more, be resistant to diseases, and withstand extreme climate conditions such as prolonged drought, salinization, and excessive rainfall.

Who are the major seed companies in Seat Valley and what is their global role?

The major seed companies in Seat Valley are largely family-owned businesses, many of which are still in Dutch hands. However, one of the largest, Syngenta, has been sold to a Chinese company for over 39 billion euros. These companies play a significant role in the global seed trade, with the majority of seeds produced for export.

What is the significance of seed companies being sold to foreign entities?

The sale of seed companies like Syngenta to foreign entities raises questions about food security and the strategic importance of these companies. It can be likened to the sale of gas companies, where control over essential resources can become a strategic weapon.

How are seeds delivered and grown into plants in the Netherlands?

Seeds are delivered directly to growers or nurseries in small pots and then grown into small plants. These plants are then mechanically planted in the fields by driverless tractors equipped with planting robots, with human supervision to ensure no plants are missed.

What is the role of modern technology in the cultivation of vegetables in the Netherlands?

Modern technology plays a significant role in the cultivation of vegetables in the Netherlands. It includes the use of driverless tractors and planting robots, as well as the development of new vegetable varieties that are more productive and resistant to diseases and climate extremes.

What is the process of preparing vegetables for the market in the Netherlands?

Many vegetables are sent to so-called 'vegetable cutting factories' where they are pre-cut into pieces and packaged in bags or boxes for sale in supermarkets. This process includes items like leeks, chicory, onions, and colewort.

What is the issue with food waste mentioned in the script?

The script highlights the problem of food waste, noting that a third of the food produced worldwide is discarded annually, despite widespread hunger. It also mentions efforts by supermarkets and the hospitality industry to improve their waste management by converting waste into biogas.

What happens to the food that is not suitable for human consumption?

Food that is not suitable for human consumption, such as rejected products from the food industry, is collected and used to make animal feed. For example, popcorn, bread, and other products that are not sold in stores due to being too old or having the wrong color are used to make feed for chickens.

What is the significance of the indoor farming mentioned in the script?

The script mentions an indoor farm in Amsterdam, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, covering 15,000 square meters. This indoor farm uses LED lighting to grow lettuce, basil, and other vegetables. It is highlighted for its efficiency, using no pesticides, 95% less water, and much less land compared to traditional farming.

How does indoor farming compare to traditional farming in terms of yield and nutrients?

Indoor farming, as described in the script, allows for a much higher yield per year compared to traditional farming. For example, while traditional field-grown lettuce may be harvested two to three times a year, indoor farming can yield 23 times a year. Additionally, the controlled environment results in vegetables with more nutrients and vitamins.

What is the role of the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands' food industry?

The Port of Rotterdam, being the largest port in Europe, plays a crucial role in the food industry by handling the import and export of food products. The script mentions an automated container terminal where cranes are operated remotely, and goods such as onions, cheese, pigs, and vegetables are processed.