From 21 to 24 September, Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) brought the Dutch horticultural ecosystem to Egypt during the Farm2Fork Conference, Sahara Expo 2026 and a series of high-level meetings with Egyptian stakeholders. The programme focused on one shared ambition: strengthening collaboration to accelerate the development of a resilient, climate-smart and future-ready horticultural sector in Egypt.
The week built on the momentum created during the Dutch trade mission to Egypt earlier this year. By bringing together companies, knowledge institutions, governments and local partners, DGD continues to facilitate long-term cooperation that goes beyond technology alone.
Looking beyond technology
The week started with the Farm2Fork Ecosystem Conference, organised by Dutch Greenhouse Delta, the Farm2Fork Alliance and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt.
The conference brought together representatives from across the Egyptian horticultural value chain, including growers, businesses, policymakers, financial institutions and knowledge organisations. Discussions focused on the transition towards more sustainable food production and the role of integrated value chains in achieving that ambition.
One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was clear: technology should follow the business case, not the other way around.
Participants emphasised that successful horticultural development depends on much more than greenhouse technology alone. Workforce development, post-harvest management, logistics, financing, market access and knowledge exchange are all essential building blocks for creating lasting impact.
The conference also highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue between Dutch and Egyptian stakeholders. By jointly identifying challenges and opportunities, solutions can be developed that are both locally relevant and commercially viable.
Showcasing the strength of the Dutch horticultural ecosystem
During Sahara Expo 2026, the Dutch Pavilion demonstrated how the Netherlands combines expertise across the entire horticultural value chain.
Visitors explored integrated solutions in greenhouse technology, climate control, precision irrigation, biological crop protection, growing media and education. Rather than presenting individual technologies, the pavilion illustrated how collaboration between complementary partners creates solutions that deliver lasting results.
The Dutch delegation was honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Pieter Mollema, whose visit underlined the importance of Dutch-Egyptian cooperation in sustainable horticulture.
Alongside the exhibition, networking events, including a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence and the SOPH event further strengthened relationships between Dutch organisations and Egyptian stakeholders.
Building long-term partnerships
Throughout the week, one theme consistently emerged: lasting impact starts with partnership.
For Dutch Greenhouse Delta, international collaboration means connecting ecosystems rather than promoting individual technologies. By bringing together businesses, knowledge institutions and governments, DGD helps create integrated solutions that respond to local challenges while contributing to food security, efficient water use and climate resilience.
The conversations held in Cairo mark another important step in the long-term collaboration between the Netherlands and Egypt. Together with its partners, DGD looks forward to continuing this dialogue and translating ideas into concrete projects and lasting partnerships.
