Food Valley NL’s Mindset Good For Innovation and Expansion
Support for innovative agro-food businesses, international publicity and efficiency in exchanging knowledge were the key topics discussed when Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney visited Food Valley NL recently. Coveney also visited two companies – Micreos and FoodCase.
“The collaboration of both large and small agro-food companies in Food Valley NL’s food cluster is very special,” said Coveney. “There is so much diversity and companies help each other grow and expand. This strong focus on innovation is exactly what the agro-food industry needs, both in The Netherlands and Ireland. Both countries are very similar when it comes to agro-food. Dutch and Irish companies alike are working on product innovation, while prioritizing sustainability and product safety. I think there’s a lot we could learn from each other.”
On the visit, Coveney and an Irish delegation of amongst others the Secretary General and Head of Research Food, were accompanied by John Neary, Ireland’s ambassador to The Netherlands. All of the visitors showed great interest in Food Valley NL’s organizational structure. The talking points included Food Valley’s origins and funding, as well as reasons for companies to join. The visitors were also keen to know more about Food Valley Direct, the brokering service that links companies with knowledge suppliers who can help answer innovation questions.
The program focused on innovation in the agro-food industry. Food Valley NL discussed its annual innovation prize, the Food Valley Award, and its newly-launched innovation website www.dutchfoodinnovations.com. Another stop on the visitors’ itinerary was a visit to two innovative Wageningen-based companies: Micreos and FoodCase. Micreos is specialized in natural microphage-based products that can be used to combat pathogens like Listeria andSalmonella during food production. FoodCase develops innovative solutions for the food industry focusing on ingredients, packaging and longer shelf-life. The day’s program also included Wageningen University and the Agri & Food Top Sector.
At the end of the day Coveney concluded: “This visit will definitely get a follow-up. Dutch and Irish business share the same mindset and could really benefit from each other. I see definite opportunities for future partnerships.”
