The Netherlands has been a world leader in the agrifood sector for many years. We have a vast amount of knowledge, a strong collaborative mindset, and a focus on sustainability. The market is still growing significantly, but it faces considerable challenges. To stay at the top, we must continue to innovate.
The challenge
The transition to handsfree
In addition to an increasing number of mouths to feed, the sector faces labor shortages, low margins, and market fragmentation. With smart innovations, it's also possible to assess the quality immediately during harvesting. This allows us not only to harvest crops faster with fewer people but also to identify and intercept diseases and pests early on.
The strategy
Collaboration is key
We are working hard to make the sector hands-free by collaborating with experts in areas such as automation, robotics, and digitalization. For example, we ensure that autonomous agricultural machines can operate safely and reliably by further developing safety systems, business-level simulation environments, and remote assistance. Additionally, we are working on smart, demand-driven production lines where raw materials are used optimally, and food waste is minimized as much as possible.
Our projects
Within the Agrifood domain, we have subdivided the projects into innovation packages. Additionally, we are focusing on establishing a dynamic ecosystem.
Innovation Package 1: Handsfree Open Cultivation, Livestock Farming, and Orchards
Full autonomy enabling systems
Plasma4Agrifood
E-tractor
Pixelfarming Robotics
Apple picking robot
Handsfree autonomous harvesting of field-grown vegetables
Handsfree Orchards
Hollandse Data line
Towered Imaging Sensors
Innovation Package 2: Handsfree Greenhouse Horticulture
Collective data
Digital Twin
Harvesting robot
After Harvest
Innovation Package 3: Food processing
Dark Fruit Factory
Ready to go (m)eat
Ready Made Meals
Local Tea Production
Program Manager Agrifood
Suzanne Verboon
Suzanne has extensive experience with innovative projects and programs, both nationally and internationally. As the Program Manager for Agriculture, Water, and Food at FME, she leverages her passion for these sectors to accelerate solutions