From February 17 – 21, Dutch Greenhouse Delta traveled through Japan with a delegation of horticultural companies from the Netherlands, to reinforce our collaboration on future-proof food production, rural revitalization, and food import substitution.
During our first days in Kochi we connected with growers, industry stakeholders and met with Kochi Prefectural Government Office to talk about the region’s ambitions and challenges. Kochi Prefecture has been a longstanding partner of the Municipality of Westland, and this partnership is bearing fruit. It’s impressive to see firsthand how horticulture here has evolved—from small-scale farming to professional operations. We met many growers who have implemented Dutch knowledge to enhance their production methods. At the Kochi Agricultural Technology Research Center, we also spoke with farmers who are optimizing production efficiency and managing cultivation through decarbonization and visualization of photosynthesis.
With labor shortages, climate challenges, and a changing economy, Japan is looking for innovative ways to strengthen its food production—and the Netherlands shares that vision. We are proud of the milestones already achieved through Dutch-Japanese cooperation in Kochi. This is a prime example of how public-private partnerships accelerate innovation and create lasting impact. Together, we have contributed to more jobs, higher production, and fresher, healthier food—a win-win for both countries.
In the second half of the week we visited many innovative growers such as Inochio Farm Toyohashi, Fuji no Fumoto Farm, Tanemaki Joso, Granberry Daichi, all showcasing cutting-edge greenhouse technology. We hosted an Information & Networking Event at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo, connecting key stakeholders in preparation for Expo 2025 Osaka. Another high light was visiting Japan Plant Factory Association (JPFA), exploring opportunities for Controlled Environment Agriculture in Japan’s food system.
During this mission, we gained deeper insight into the Japanese values that shape its approach to agriculture and business. The road ahead is clear: by working together—government, industry, and research—we can build a secure, sustainable, and prosperous food system for Japan’s future generations. We look forward to our next milestone: Expo 2025 Osaka and the Dutch Horti Week in September!
