After eight years, Desh Ramnath is leaving Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD). During his time with the organisation, he played an important role in its development, the international positioning of the Dutch horticultural sector, and the establishment of various international collaboration programmes.
When DGD was still in its early stages, Desh contributed to shaping the organisation’s strategy and defining how government, businesses and knowledge institutions could work together to strengthen the international position of Dutch horticulture. From there, his role gradually evolved towards business development and international market development.
In recent years, Desh focused primarily on India, where he played a key role in developing and implementing public-private partnerships that showcased Dutch knowledge, technology and expertise in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). According to Desh, initiatives like these demonstrate the importance of a shared long-term vision.
“Desh has made a significant contribution to the development of Dutch Greenhouse Delta and to strengthening the international position of the Dutch horticultural sector,” says Mirjam Boekestijn, CEO of Dutch Greenhouse Delta. “His strategic mindset, ability to connect people and organisations, and years of dedication have helped shape DGD into the international platform it is today. We are sincerely grateful for everything he has contributed.”
Looking back on his time at DGD, Desh sees the future as both a challenge and a shared responsibility.
“The global challenges we face are only becoming greater. Climate change, water scarcity, geopolitical developments and the growing demand for sustainable food production require a different way of working together. That is exactly why I believe it is our responsibility to share the unique knowledge and expertise of Dutch horticulture with the world.
When we work together as one ecosystem, supported by a shared strategy and the courage to look beyond today’s or tomorrow’s commercial opportunities, we can make our knowledge not only commercially successful but also more accessible and affordable for countries around the world. In doing so, we strengthen our international leadership while contributing to more sustainable food production globally.
The biggest mistake we could make now is to wait. Other international players are investing heavily in the future. The Netherlands still holds a unique position, but we will only maintain that leadership if we continue to collaborate and are willing to invest together in markets that may not deliver their full potential for another five or ten years. I sincerely hope our sector continues to recognise these opportunities, take responsibility and show the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised Dutch horticulture for decades.”
The vision Desh shares closely reflects the mission of Dutch Greenhouse Delta: strengthening the international position of Dutch horticulture through collaboration, knowledge sharing and a shared long-term vision. Guided by that ambition, DGD will continue building sustainable international partnerships that contribute to solving tomorrow’s food production challenges.
Dutch Greenhouse Delta would like to thank Desh Ramnath for his dedication, commitment and valuable contributions over the past eight years, and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.