Trade and Innovate Mission for smart agriculture

A delegation from the Dutch horticultural sector will embark on an orientating trade mission to Japan in the second week of October 2023. During this Trade & Innovate mission opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration in smart agriculture between Japan and the Netherlands will be explored, taking the first steps towards the World Expo Osaka, Kansai in 2025.

Greenhouse

This orientating mission is organized by Dutch Greenhouse Delta, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan, Oost NL, the Municipality of Westland and supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Multiple prominent Dutch companies and knowledge institutions are participating to explore collaboration opportunities in smart agriculture within Japan. Japan is committed to transforming its agriculture sector into a modern, sustainable and resilient sector and to realizing a green food system. The objective of this mission is not just to promote mutual business interests, but also to advance sustainability, innovation, and efficiency.

This trip marks the first official step on the ‘Road2Osaka’, a long-term approach aimed at preparing Dutch horticulture's representation during the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. With this major event on the horizon, the Trade & Innovate mission serves as a catalyst for fostering lasting collaborations between Japanese and Dutch partners in business, academia, and government, bringing together the best of both worlds in agriculture technology and innovation.

The program includes networking opportunities with stakeholders within the Japanese agri-industry, visits to existing greenhouses, and research facilities, and meetings with government officials and agri-consulting agencies. Additionally, participants will attend the trade exhibition, AGRI WEEK TOKYO, to further deepen their understanding and connections within the Japanese agricultural sector.

Expo 2025 Osaka will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The organisation expects to host about 28 million visitors, about 90% of whom will be from Japan. About 170 countries and international organisations are participating. This edition is themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and will be about shaping a world where major crises around climate and health, for example, will determine livability.