On April 8, the final event of the Implementation Programme for the Crop Protection Vision 2030 took place at ZLTO headquarters. This national program, initiated in 2020 by the Dutch government in collaboration with the agricultural and horticultural sectors, set out to transform how we grow crops in the Netherlands. The key goals? Making production systems more resilient, eliminating emissions and residues, and strengthening the link between agriculture and nature.
To support this transition, 12 regional and sector-specific pilots were launched between 2022 and 2025. These practical, field-based projects explored new crop protection strategies that are feasible for growers, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable.
A key part of the program’s success has been the involvement of advisors who are active both within the program and in the Dutch AdvisoryNetpest network. Their dual roles ensure strong connections between local practices, knowledge development, and national advisory strategies.
During the closing event, several of these advisors shared insights and results from their pilot projects. Highlights included:
– Emission reduction strategies in the fruit sector
– Data-driven crop protection in arboriculture
– Targeted control of bean fly
– Development of sustainable potato cultivation systems
These examples reflect a broader movement in Dutch agriculture toward smarter, cleaner, and more resilient farming. The pilots have brought together growers, advisors, researchers, and supply chain partners to co-create solutions that work in practice.
While the program concludes in May 2025, this event marked an important milestone—and not the end. The sector is continuing the journey toward future-proof crop production, with farmers and advisors taking the lead.
💡 Want to explore all 12 pilot projects? The full dossier “Weerbaar telen in de praktijk” is now live on Groen Kennisnet, featuring project overviews, published results, and useful resources: groenkennisnet.nl/dossier/weerbaar-telen-in-de-praktijk-dossier
