Meet the people looking for what you are developing
Are you an entrepreneur or researcher working on technological solutions for open field cultivation? And are you curious to find out where your knowledge or technology could truly make a difference? This mission offers a focused introduction to the Belgian agricultural sector. You’ll visit a leading trade fair and practical sites in both Flanders and Wallonia. Along the way, you’ll connect with organisations actively seeking smart farming solutions, and travel together with other Dutch participants who, like you, are building the future of agriculture. It’s a unique opportunity to explore, connect and move forward with real-world applications.
About the mission
This mission offers a close-up look at agriculture in Flanders and Wallonia, through visits to businesses, research institutions and public sector organisations. You’ll gain insights into how Belgium is tackling current challenges such as labour shortages, climate pressures and soil health and the role technology plays in addressing them. The aim is to foster closer ties between Dutch and Belgian stakeholders and explore cooperation in precision agriculture, automation and data-driven cultivation.
Programme overview
The three-day programme takes you to different regions and introduces you to companies, researchers and policymakers.
The mission kicks off with a visit to Agribex, Belgium’s leading agricultural trade fair in Brussels, offering a broad sector overview. You’ll then head to practical sites in Flanders and later to agricultural businesses and institutions in Wallonia. Throughout the mission, there will be plenty of room for knowledge exchange, dialogue with Belgian counterparts and group reflection within the Dutch delegation.
Each part of the programme is designed to offer insight into both the technological and agronomic dimensions of the challenges at hand.
What this mission offers you
This mission helps you pinpoint where your technology can deliver real value. You’ll gain an understanding of Belgium’s needs in areas such as soil, labour and sustainability, and discover where smart solutions are in demand. You’ll meet researchers, growers and technology users, and engage in practical conversations about implementation, collaboration and next steps. At the same time, you’ll expand your network in the Netherlands by travelling together with other members of the ecosystem.
Whether you are looking for market insights, new applications or international partnerships, this mission provides the knowledge and contacts to help you move forward.
Who should join this mission
This mission is designed for entrepreneurs and researchers developing digital and sustainable solutions for open field cultivation. This includes companies working in areas such as precision farming, sensors, data platforms, AI, field robotics or smart applications for water, soil or crop management.
You don’t need to have concrete plans for the Belgian market yet. The mission is especially valuable for those looking to explore new opportunities and build meaningful connections.
Building the future of open field cultivation together
Meaningful progress in agriculture depends on collaboration—not only within the Netherlands, but also across borders. That’s why this mission is part of the broader effort within NXTGEN Hightech’s Handsfree Agrifood ecosystem to advance open field cultivation through smarter, more efficient and future-proof approaches.
By travelling together, you’ll not only explore a new market, but also gain deeper insight into the people and ideas shaping your own network. That accelerates innovation and opens doors that would be harder to find on your own.
More information and registration
The participation fee is €250 per person (excluding VAT). This includes the group programme, local transfers, lunches and dinners. Travel and accommodation are not included.
You can register until 5 September 2025 via the RVO website.
Click the link below for more information and to register.