Events
Slovenia is facing a dire situation in the field of food self-sufficiency, which has dropped to between 35–40%. During the highly successful Slovene National Trade Delegation to Rotterdam 2024, concrete solutions and interest were built around Slovene–Dutch cooperation.
The goal is to build on the Slovene–Dutch cooperation to find business solutions to the concrete market opportunity in Slovenia.
SDBP, being the main business bridge between NL and SLO, is organising a "Dutch corner" at the annual AGRA, the biggest regional agricultural trade fair, happening between 24.8 – 29.8.2024. AGRA annually brings +100k attendees, +1,700 companies/exhibitors, and over 35 countries.
The SDBP-organised Dutch corner will feature a space for B2B, be part of the programme on the main stage (organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and the SDBP), as well as a direct line to the agricultural decision-makers within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and others.
The programme on the main stage will take the form of a consultation on vegetable production today and the possibilities for the future.
Date and time: AGRA 2024, Monday, 26.8.2024, at 13:30, Hall 5.
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 – 13:45 | Introductory speeches | Drago Belec, President, Association of Food Producers in Modern Greenhouses, GZS – ZKŽP H.E. Mr Johan Verboom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Slovenia |
| 13:45 – 14:15 | Dutch innovation presentations | Leo Swart – Creative Consultant, Cresultant; Luka Irenej Pečan, University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty Rob van Leeuwen – YEALD Freek van Eijk – Holland Circular Hotspot |
| 14:15 – 14:30 | Introduction to Round Table | – |
| 14:30 – 15:25 | Round table: "Co-creating the vision of Slovene vegetable production after 2027" |
dr. Polona Grahovac, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food dr. Boštjan Petelinc, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Matej Mertik, Paradajz d.o.o. Matej Bandelj, Operations Lead, GreenGardens Dobrovnik dr. Ana Slatnar, UL Biotechnical Faculty, Department for Agronomy Jerica Pučko Antolin, Consultant specialist for vegetable production, KGZS – Zavod GO Uroš Djaniš, Director of Purchasing and Category Management for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables at Mercator dr. Vesna Lavtižar, University of Maribor Moderator: Luka Šinkovec, SDBP |
| 15:25 – 15:30 | Ending remarks | – |
Slovenian food self-sufficiency challenges present a business opportunity, with projects already initiated through Slovenian entrepreneurs, such as Matej Bandelj and Gregor Počivavšek. Their project, GreenGardens Dobrovnik, is estimated to cost €80 million and is expected to significantly increase Slovenian self-sufficiency in various types of vegetables.
Information on the readiness for business in the Slovene market also comes from the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, who gave clear messages during the Presidential Forum on 11.10.2023, viewing food self-sufficiency as a strategic resource. The Presidential Forum document also includes specific appendices on investments into advanced greenhouse technology as well as irrigation.
Modern technology and contemporary cultivation methods must also encourage the younger generation to see a real business opportunity in food production, especially vegetables. Additionally, the high energy costs due to winter production could be reduced with the efficient use of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal heating and wood biomass. To meet the vegetable needs in Slovenia, we would need between 150 and 200 hectares of modern high-tech greenhouses. The current strategic plan of the common agricultural policy is not favourable to such investments, as the amount of non-repayable funds has significantly decreased.
Slovene self-sufficiency comparison for Slovenia from the Slovene Chamber of Commerce, presented at the National Council of Slovenia:
| Category | 2000 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 83% | 40% |
| Wheat | 48% | 80% |
| Vegetables | 45% | 33% |
| Fruits | 66% | 16% |
Prof. dr. Udovč, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, at the National Council called for an increase in self-sufficiency, particularly through utilising precision farming methods, restructuring our food production portfolio, controlled-space production (greenhouses), as well as calling for a proliferation of irrigation techniques which are currently underutilised.
Data sources:
A key factor is the interest of the Dutch. At AGRA, our Dutch Vice-President, Leo Swart, will present the key opportunities for a market feasibility study in Slovenia in the field of salad production.
Dutch attendees of AGRA are eligible to partake in the RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland) SIB programme to partially finance their participation at AGRA (please note: this subsidy does not cover travel and accommodation expenses).
SDBP is currently in talks with RVO on the possibility of starting a PIB programme in Slovenia:
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