Whereas in the Netherlands , agriculture struggles with issues such as clime adjustment and N problems , in Mexico , the sector is chiefly concerned with increase product . But Erik Plaisier , extroverted agriculture council for Mexico and Cuba from the Dutch embassy in Mexico City , wait sustainability to play an increasing purpose there too . That offer opportunities for Dutch companies . you could read about this at Agroberichten of the Ministry of Agriculture , Nature and Food Quality .
Erik Plaisier
Plaisier ( 47 ) has been capture by Latin America for 30 years . " From my previous work at RVO , where I allot with development cooperation in Latin America and export forwarding , I had already been exposed to agricultural publication a wad . So when I was able to go to Mexico as an agriculture council , it perfectly equate my experience and pastime . " He , therefore , feels like a privileged person . " I front back on the past year in Mexico and Cuba with satisfaction and gratitude , and I am also proud of what we have achieved . "
Mexico is a land of relationships"Mexico is very different from the Netherlands . Not only in terms of language and cultivation but also in terms of economical inequality , certificate , or availability of information . No wonder Dutch companies that lock here or want to become fighting here like to knock on the threshold of our Dutch embassy . We have been involve in numerous activities in late years , such as business deal missions and trade funfair . Mexico is a country of relationship , you ca n’t just come together a wad . That is also part of the magic spell of this res publica . "
Plaisier has now see to it a lot of Mexico . " It is a very versatile country with great diversity in finish and nature . Mexico City , where I am base , is one of the largest cities in the world . It is vibrant , full of culture and tradition , and there is always something new to discover . It is also a green urban center with beautiful tropical flora . Mexicans are quick , passionate , pollyannaish , and hospitable people who do their best to put you at ease and make you palpate at family . You make friends here very easy . "
Visiting Texel with Cuban guest for a study tour on saline agriculture
The Netherlands is a partner with a lot of noesis and expertiseWhat is the best thing Plaisier has reach , and what did he run across ? " We have positioned the Netherlands as a proactive and reliable partner in agriculture . A partner with a lot of knowledge and expertise who not only need to trade in but also think along with Mexico and count together for root that conduce to a sustainable future . To cite an case , together with Wageningen University & Research , we looked into how to tackle the gulfweed trouble . Sargassum is a seaweed that wash away up in large quantities on the seacoast of Mexico , among others . An bionomic and economical disaster , as it is harmful to marine biography and drives tourists away . "
" We are also looking at how to combat food dissipation at Mexico City ’s immense fresh food market , the large in the world . And we are work with the Mexican food bank to find solutions to the loss of food in the field crop that are rotting there and could still serve as food for the inadequate population or else . what is more , we late shared sustainability and animal welfare deterrent example and experience with circular husbandry from the Netherlands at a tumid bull farming league , and we are working to raise awareness here about the environmental impact of aguacate land . "
" I do imagine it ’s a shame that sometimes it stops at inquiry . By nature , I am a doer and require to accomplish result . But we often lack the fiscal resources to actually harness problems after enquiry . For a transition towards sustainability , you have to invest in novel business manakin projects and guide people , which unfortunately is not always potential with our limited resources . "
depression of the ( Dutch ) participants and utterer at the interior congress on pig land that took billet in Nuevo Vallarta , Mexico , in May 2023
Great experiences and good friendshipsHis successor wish Plaisier as many dandy experiences and good friendships as he gained here . " Enjoy this country , discover Mexico , and make good use of the excellent reputation the Netherlands has here and the connection we have construct , " he said .
" Among other thing , gardening is very important here . For example , there is an annual national conference for embrace gardening in August , which many Dutch companies shoot the breeze , a great opportunity for networking . later on this year , in November , another major horticultural fair will take place in Guanajuato , another great opportunity . Dutch fellowship supply technology for nursery and everything in them , such as water supply direction and clime control . Mexico is also a major buyer of vegetable seeds , in which the Netherlands is very big . "
look for for sustainable solutions with Cuba and Mexico"The agricultural sector in Mexico is growing very fast , enunciate Plaisier . " Unlike agriculture in Europe . In Europe , we have reached the limit of hypothesis in footing of the environment and are struggling with the consequences , such as the nitrogen trouble and clime change . There is contraction rather than growth . In Mexico , thing are completely different . Mexico wants to increase production as much as potential , but there are still people going athirst and the state wants to become one of the world ’s leading food exporters . In doing so , Mexico is primarily look at the United States , which already imports a lot of the country ’s fruit and vegetables . "
" Sustainability may not be so high on the schedule in Mexico now , but that is rifle to interchange . Here too , theme such as mood modification , piddle scarcity , sustainability , and animal public assistance are break down to play an increasing role . This is where opportunities lie down for Dutch companies , which are ahead of Mexico in this respect . Their cognition and technology are increasingly in need . "
Plaisier : " Cuba is complex . The economical and political system is stall . Because of the Covid pandemic , tourism has collapsed . There has been a record hegira among the population . It is very difficult to achieve anything there . Together with the Cuban regime and FAO , we are trying to help Cuban farmers tackle salinization . In general , you’re able to say that in both Mexico and Cuba , we not only need to promote swap but also together with seek sustainable solution . "
grouping exposure farming and water charge in September 2021
Assisting Dutch companiesPlaisier will now go to Peru . " No longer as Agriculture Council , but as Regional Business Developer for Latin America . In that role , I will assist Dutch company in develop and cash in on opportunities . This is not so much about the agricultural sphere . It ’s more about green hydrogen , sustainable city , ports , and maritime technology . So that will be a new challenge . But I will stick in Latin America , which has really been my area for 30 long time . "
CNA panel moderation in November 2022
rootage : Ministry of Agriculture , Nature and Food Quality
