Japanese delegation learns about solutions to revitalise horticulture sector at Tomatoworld.
On Thursday 16 January, Tomatoworld welcomed Japanese Ambassador Hidehisa Horinouchi with members from the Japanese First Chamber and the Ministry of Agriculture. They are working in Japan on the revitalisation of agriculture and horticulture and the reconstruction of northeast Japan after the 2011 tsunami. Mayor Bouke Arends was present on behalf of Westland. He emphasised that the municipality of Westland has had a good relationship with Japan and Kochi prefecture in particular for many years.
Photo; Thierry Schut
Challenges,
Climate change is a major threat to Japan's food supply. Typhoons, earthquakes, floods and heat have a major impact on Japan's food supply. In the coming years, the Abe administration plans to invest millions in Kochi to transform the underdeveloped agriculture and horticulture sector into a productive sector capable of increasing self-sufficiency. Currently, Japan produces 38% of the calories needed by its population. And 64% of its total volume. With an import value of €60 billion, Japan is one of the largest food importers in the world.
Dutch horticulture sector as an example
As the second largest exporter of food products, the Netherlands is also in the spotlight in Japan. The delegation is visiting our country to see examples of the innovative approach that has led to this success.
In Tomatoworld's greenhouse, the delegation learned about the innovative, sustainable method of growing healthy produce. The control of the greenhouse climate by computer, the watering system and ventilation fans had special attention. . The presence of Tomatoworld's partners in this field brought the delegation up to date with the latest innovations.
Thanks to our relationship with Kochi and Japan's growing need to modernise agriculture and horticulture, the Japanese Cabinet sees the Netherlands as a model. Westland companies can benefit from this.