VIDEO: Hortifuturo Project, the Dutch contribution to feed Colombian cities
Considering that around 80% of the Colombian population lives in urban areas, Colombia needs to feed its growing cities in size and population. Its megacities face challenges in accessing healthier and higher quality food, as well as in implementing more sustainable and diversified production systems. This is a relevant topic within the policy “Towards a world without hunger in 2030; the Dutch contribution” of the Government of the Netherlands.
Consequently, the Agricultural Department (LAN Bogota) of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bogotá has set as a priority the inclusive development of horticulture based on the exchange of knowledge and technology from the Netherlands. The Colombian horticultural sector is currently composed mainly of small producers without training or technical assistance in innovative, modern and sustainable horticultural techniques. Emerging growers and farmers are moving from open field to indoor production without understanding the dynamics of such a production system. LAN Bogotá wants to be a catalyst for this transformation in the regions of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Magdalena and Cesar, where solutions will result from the exchange of knowledge and experiences between both countries. Consequently, LAN Bogota initiated the Hortifuturo project.
The Hortifuturo initiative seeks to support the transformation of Colombian horticulture offering solutions that can be adapted to the Colombian context where Dutch companies can participate in the development of value chains not only for local consumption but also with export potential. The sustainable and inclusive development of the Colombian fruit and vegetable sector contributes to improving the quality of life of communities, their food security and strengthening formal economies through new employment and business opportunities in local and international markets. In the following video you can learn more about this project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WovEbmPiqxo
If you are interested in delving into this project or discussing new ideas of our “Feeding the Cities” agenda, please contact us at BOG-LNV@minbuza.nl