the netherlands frugal, innovative farming

© 2001-2015 Globalization Partners International. All rights reserved. Trade marks are property of their respective owners.

The Netherlands: Frugal, Innovative Farming


© Globalization Partners International. All rights reserved.http://blog.globalizationpartners.com/ 2

The words, "Dutch culture" tend to evoke imagery of windmills, wooden clogs, fields of colorful tulips and, to some, Amsterdam's Red Light District and Coffee shops. What doesn't typically come

to mind are avant-garde cuisine or innovative farming practices. However, sustainable farming practices and the reinvention of traditional foods are slowly creating a food

revolution in the Netherlands.

http://blog.globalizationpartners.com/



HistoryThe food of the Netherlands is known for consisting heavily of potatoes, root vegetables, meat and mostly bland flavors. It may be simple, but with their heavy consumption of vegetables and legumes, the Dutch diet is relatively healthy compared to their Western counterparts.




According to an article on the history of Dutch food, the absence of spices and flavors wasn't always a part of Dutch cuisine. In fact, the Netherlands ruled the spice trade for over 100 years, until the beginning of the 19th century when frugality became the way of life. The Dutch lost many of their colonial possessions to the British in the Anglo-Dutch wars, resulting in a loss of much of their wealth. Those losses, coupled with a growing population resulted in a need for frugality.

Efficiency and frugality were taught to school girls, in order to make cheap and nutritious meals. Initially, girls from poorer classes were sent to these domestic schools, but eventually girls from all classes began attending these classes. Spices and herbs soon became frivolous, traditional dishes were simplified and a passion for creating flavorful meals became a thing of the past.


http://dutchfood.about.com/od/aboutdutchcooking/a/Introduction.htm



Food Revolution

With the current climate of a desire for locally sourced, organic and seasonal farm-to-table foods, the Netherlands is taking advantage of the trend. Culinary artists are reinventing tradition by taking the wholesome ingredients and letting their simplicity shine through with modern twists to traditional recipes. Organic farmer's markets and specialty delicatessens are popping up everywhere, as this food revolution begins to gain more ground. The Slow Food Foundation has even named numerous Dutch foods to The Ark of Taste.


http://www.slowfoodfoundation.com/pagine/eng/arca/cerca.lasso?-id_pg=36#risultati



Can't Miss Foods

Below is a list of a few foods that Awesome Amsterdam lists as Dutch foods you should try at least once.

• Poffertjes: Small, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour. Traditionally consumed in the fall and winter, when they can be found at outdoor markets and on street corners.

• Bitterballen: Deep-fried orbs, battered in

a crunchy breadcrumb coating and filled

with a gooey mixture of chopped beef, beef

broth, flour, butter, herbs and spices.

A perfect accompaniment to a round of

beers.


http://www.awesomeamsterdam.com/articles/55/dutch-foods-you-should-try



• Stroopwafels: A waffle cookie made from two thin layers of batter with a sticky syrup filling in the middle. They can be purchased in packages at most grocery stores and bakeries in the Netherlands, as well as freshly made at street stands at markets and festivals.




• Stamppot: Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale or carrots and is traditionally served with rookworst (smoked sausage). The epitome of Dutch cuisine.

• KoffieVerkeerd: The Dutch version of a caffè latte or café au lait. It is traditionally a hot cup of coffee with a lot of warm milk, but is most commonly served as an espresso with a lot of steamed milk and some froth.

• HollandseNieuwe Haring: Raw herring served with chopped onions, eaten with or without bread. Herring should only be called Hollandsenieuwe if caught between May and July.


http://www.awesomeamsterdam.com/articles/71/more-dutch-foods-to-try



Innovative Farming

In August 2014, The Economist published an article on Dutch farming practices. Land and labor are very expensive which has forced Dutch scientists, businesses and the government to work together to optimize the development and production of high-value crops.

In the southern Dutch province of Limburg, a farm is run by robots. The robots, developed by the Dutch firm Lely, feed and milk 180 cows,

monitor their health and clean their stables.

An app alerts the farmers if a cow needs

human attention. The technology investment has

resulted in double the number of cattle, 10-15%

increase in milk production per cow and reduction

of wasted feed.


http://www.economist.com/news/business/21613356-dutch-farmers-add-sustainability-their-enviable-productivity-polder-and-wiser



The Netherlands has one of the lowest levels of biodiversity, and due to the pressure from consumers and the government to clean up Dutch farms, there has been a push to invest in sustainable intensive agriculture. Dutch cows now produce twice as much milk as they did in 1960. The value of the Netherland's agriculture exports is second only to America.

Dutch farmers are not only seeking to sell their food abroad, they are now looking to share their expertise with foreign farmers. China's biggest dairy company has chosen Wageningen University as their center for European research and development.

The growing concern for the increasing population and carbon-dioxide emissions produced by agriculture, demands a serious investment in sustainable farming practices. Dutch farmers lead the charge in sustainable and intensive food production, which is the only way to move forward and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.




ConclusionThe beauty of Dutch cuisine is in the use of local, seasonal ingredients that are allowed to shine by enhancing their simplicity. The push and investment in sustainable farming practices, joined with the renewed desire to create exciting cuisine, is making the Netherlands a hot spot for the growing food revolution.

Companies involved in agriculture or food service should consider the Netherlands as an interesting opportunity for business growth and learning. The Dutch have expertise, ideas and food specialties to share with the world, along with room to grow and expand as their food revolution takes off.




Looking to Sell Your Goods or Services in the Netherlands?If you are looking to expand into the Netherland's market, here are some resources you may be interested in:

• Dutch Language

• Dutch Writing System

You may contact GPI for translation services at [email protected] or by calling us at 866-272-5874 with your specific questions about this market and/or your project goals. You may also request a complimentary Dutch translation quote for your project.


http://www.globalizationpartners.com/resources/dutch-translation-quick-facts/the-dutch-writing-system.aspx

http://www.globalizationpartners.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.globalizationpartners.com/request-a-quote.aspx



Global Headquarter

Washington, DC

1600 Tysons Blvd, 8th FloorMcLean, VA 22102Phone: +1 703-286-2193Toll Free: +1 866-272-5874Global Fax: +1 202-478-0956E-mail: [email protected]

Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai Media City, Business Centre 2Building 8, Office Number 71P.O. Box 502068, Dubai, UAEPhone: +971 501079810Global Phone: +1 703-286-2193E-mail: [email protected]

Rosario, ArgentinaAv. Carlos Colombres 1799 Casa 12000 Rosario, Santa Fe, ArgentinaPhone: +54-9-341-3156370E-mail: [email protected]

Cairo, Egypt17 Korash Street6th DistrictNasr City, Cairo, EgyptPhone: +2 0100 128 0914Global Phone: +1-703-286-2193E-mail: [email protected]






the netherlands frugal, innovative farming

Business

history of dutch food

innovative farming practices

dutch cuisine

dutch culture

dutch diet

food revolutionwith

historythe food

sustainable farming