For decades, the Netherlands and Egypt have built a strong partnership focused on water and agriculture, a collaboration that recognizes Egypt's unique position as business partner and an emerging market – a "combi-country". In this partnership business cooperation, trade, and investment go hand in hand with investment in sustainability and social wellbeing. Now, this collaboration is bearing fruit in innovative ways through business-driven projects called ‘Impact Clusters’. These projects address critical social, agricultural and environmental challenges, while creating new business momentum for both Dutch and Egyptian partners in the consortium.
Three of these Impact Clusters launched this year in Egypt (Impact Clusters in Egypt: Harnessing Collaboration for Sustainable Growth | Egypte | Agroberichten Buitenland). These initiatives address Egypt’s most pressing challenges of climate change, water scarcity and the need for food security by introducing climate and water smart technologies and practices and provide knowledge exchange within the Egyptian agriculture community.
Three Pioneering Projects, One Shared Vision:
The Dutch approach is exemplified by three impactful initiatives, each tackling a specific area of agricultural development:
Sustainable Operational Protected Horticulture (SOPH) Center:
This ambitious project, officially launched in December 2024, is spearheading the modernization of protected horticulture through advanced and locally adapted greenhouse technologies. A collaboration between ten Dutch and Egyptian partners, the SOPH Center is establishing a cutting-edge training, demonstration, and research facility at United Group Farm in Obour-area. Initial field visits, including assessments at CherryLand and Future of Egypt – Lahon, have informed a tailored approach, ensuring the center delivers practical and impactful solutions for the Egyptian context. Supported by the Dutch agricultural counselor and brought to the attention of the Egyptian Ambassador the center is well positioned to become a hub for the implementation of advanced horticulture in Egypt.
Impact Cluster: Sustainable Operational Protected Horticulture (SOPH) Center | Project Database CMS
RootGrow Impact Cluster:
Since its inception in January 2025, RootGrow is transforming Egypt’s citrus sector through sustainable and inclusive agriculture by introducing new rootstock technology through inclusive networks. By collaborating with the Graduate Villages Project, RootGrow is engaging the next generation of farmers and agripreneurs. With trial plots established, a network of small farmers actively participating, and enthusiastic responses from businesses, universities, and local partners, RootGrow is where innovation, trade, and social impact come together.
Impact Cluster: RootGrow Cluster Project | Project Database CMS
BUCRA Impact Cluster (Building Unity for Climate Resilient Agriculture):
Named for the Arabic word for "tomorrow," BUCRA addresses the pressing challenges of increased salinity, climate change, and land fragmentation in open-field agriculture. This initiative focuses on improving knowledge, expertise, and technology through an agricultural development plan, corresponding demonstration plot, and hybrid training programs for farmers. BUCRA fosters collaboration and the adoption of better farming techniques and water management strategies, building resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Impact Cluster: BUCRA Building Unity for Climate Resilient Agriculture | Project Database CMS
These Impact Clusters represent a powerful model for collaboration, combining Dutch expertise with local knowledge to drive sustainable growth in the Egyptian agricultural sector. They are not merely projects; they are catalysts for:
- Knowledge Transfer: Sharing best practices in water management, crop diversification, and climate-smart agriculture.
- Technology Adoption: Introducing innovative and locally adapted solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Empowerment: Supporting small farmers, creating jobs, and strengthening local enterprises.
Resilience: Building a more robust and sustainable agricultural system that can withstand the challenges of climate change.
Looking Ahead:
As these projects progress, they promise to deliver tangible results for the Egyptian agricultural community. Through co-innovation, promoting sustainability, and empowering local farmers, the Dutch-Egyptian partnerships are planting the seeds of a climate-smart future for Egyptian agriculture. The Netherlands remains committed to supporting these efforts, recognizing the vital role of water and agriculture in achieving stability, sustainable prosperity, and social wellbeing in Egypt. This is more than just development assistance; it is a strategic investment in a shared future.
To stay updated on developments or for assistance in exploring the Egyptian market reach out to us directly at KAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl. The agricultural team at the Embassy is here to make your entry into the Egyptian market as seamless and informed as possible.