Theme
Smart Farming
Visit the Netherlands to experience AgTech in practice
Where digital innovation meets real farming conditions
The Netherlands is widely known for its highly productive agriculture. Today, it is also a global frontrunner in AgTech and smart farming, integrating robotics, sensors, artificial intelligence and data platforms into everyday agricultural practice.
Farmers face high land prices, strict environmental regulations and labor shortages. So technology needs to deliver measurable results in terms of efficiency, sustainability and profitability. This urgency has created one of the most practical and collaborative AgTech ecosystems in the world.
A systems approach to smart farming
AgTech in the Netherlands is developed through close cooperation between government, knowledge institutions, industry and farmers, allowing new technologies to be tested and validated in real farming environments.
Facilities such as the Farm of the Future in Lelystad, with several testing grounds all over the country, and OnePlanet Research Center bring farmers, researchers and companies together to test new cropping systems, robotics and digital solutions under practical conditions.
From data to decisions
Across Dutch open fields, sensors monitor soil conditions and crop growth. GPS-guided equipment applies inputs with high precision, while drones and satellite imagery provide detailed field insights.
Data platforms and AI help farmers translate information into decisions, from early disease detection to yield forecasting and climate adaptation strategies.
Robotics and automation in daily practice
Labor shortages and sustainability goals have accelerated the development of autonomous systems. Lightweight electric robots weed fields mechanically, reducing herbicide dependency, while autonomous machinery improves precision and limits soil compaction.
These technologies are developed together with farmers and tested under real conditions, ensuring they are robust enough for everyday use.
Why this makes a valuable learning visit
Within the dense geographic area of the Netherlands, visitors can engage with the entire AgTech value chain: research institutions, start-ups, established machinery manufacturers, digital platform providers, policymakers and farmers. Field labs, robotics demonstrations, data-platform briefings and policy discussions can all be combined within a few days.
Why visit the Netherlands for AgTech?
- For companies: opportunities to connect with technology partners and test solutions in demanding conditions.
- For policymakers: insight into how digitalization can be embedded in national agricultural strategy.
- For investors and ecosystem builders: see how collaboration accelerates adoption and market development.
What FoodX offers
FoodX organizes tailored delegation programs focused on smart farming. Within a few days, visitors can explore the entire AgTech value chain, from field labs and robotics demonstrations to research institutes and digital platform providers.
We connect you with relevant expertise and real-world applications, showing how digital technologies are applied in practice.
Example program elements:
- Overview session on technological innovation in Dutch agri-food
- Visits to high-tech labs, pilot facilities and research centres
- Meetups with selected startups working on agriculture, food and technology
- Facilitated sessions with prepared speakers and moderated exchanges
Interested?
Would you like to explore high-tech innovation in the Dutch agri-food ecosystem? We will gladly discuss the possibilities of a tailored program that includes this topic with you.
Explore related themes
High-tech innovation is closely connected to other areas of food innovation. A FoodX program can combine multiple themes, allowing you to explore related topics.