Strengthening Collaboration in Ecuador’s Agricultural Sector

Productive Exchanges with Expo Flores

We began with a meeting at Expo Flores, the Floriculture Association of Ecuador. Their insights into sector developments, challenges, and opportunities set a constructive tone for the visit and highlighted their important role in supporting growers and maintaining high standards across the industry. Plant variety protection and the lesser options for use of chemicals in flowers were some of their main concers. We discussed collaboration, as the Netherlands remains a very important parnter in the floriculture, providing the varieties for the rose giant Ecuador is in the world market – third worldwide flower exporter after the Netherlands and neighbour Colombia.

Visits to Plantec and Logiztik Alliance

At the Plantec company, we saw firsthand how their collaboration with Dutch breeders — particularly in roses — contributes to quality, innovation, and a strong international market position. The visit underscored how day-to-day cooperation between companies continues to reinforce the longstanding relationship between our two countries.

At Logiztik Alliance, we observed how Ecuador’s export products — including flowers and tropical fruits — are handled and inspected before distribution around the world. We observed a phytosanitary inspection conducted by Agrocalidad, the national authority. This provided good insights into the strict procedures and controls that contribute to Ecuador’s reputation for reliable and high-quality exports.

Strategic Dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture

A working lunch with the colleagues of the International Affairs Department of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Agriculture, including its director, offered a closer look at Ecuador’s strategic vision for its agricultural sector. We discussed priorities in sustainability, market competitiveness, and international collaboration, as well as areas where Dutch expertise can complement Ecuador’s ambitions.

Meeting with Agrocalidad

Last but not least, we had a very productive meeting with Agrocalidad’s National Phytosanitary Service, Agrocalidad. Our discussions covered several running dossiers, ongoing collaboration and exchange, and opportunities to strengthen bilateral alignment on plant health, inspection procedures, and future technical collaboration. We were very pleased with the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere in which this first ever bilateral phytosanitary encounter took place. 

Key Impressions

Throughout the visit, several points stood out clearly:

• Ecuadorian partners demonstrate exceptional professionalism and strong technical expertise.
• Phytosanitary interceptions remain very low, reflecting robust inspection systems and quality controls.
• There is a genuine interest in deeper collaboration with the Netherlands.
• Our bilateral relationship in agriculture, food, and biodiversity can strengthen.
• This visit reaffirmed the strong foundation of cooperation between Ecuador and the Netherlands, and the significant potential to continue working together toward innovative, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems.

If you would like to learn more about our visit to Ecuador, please contact the Agricultural Team of the Embassy:

BOG-LVVN@MINBUZA.NL