Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria brought Dutch experts and businesses for two training and demonstration sessions in berries and in pome and stone fruits in partnership with Bulgarian knowledge and research institutions and growers.
Beeld: LAN – Embassy of the Netherlands to Bulgaria
Participants of the Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria program exchange expertise on sustainable fruit production.
In the first week of June, another Netherlands Fruit Basket mission to Bulgaria made a round trip across the country meeting with many Bulgarian growers and actively discussing potential solutions for today’s challenges and possible fruitful partnerships. Within the knowledge module of the initiative, two training and knowledge exchange sessions were held – one in berry production and one focused on stone and pome fruits. More than 40 Bulgarian growers and experts participated in the events and shared valuable insights from their experience that were of high interest for the Dutch delegation and contributed for a better understanding of local market and natural conditions.
Berries
Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria gathered berry growers for a training and knowledge exchange session near Popovo - at the beautiful and inspiring premises of one of the largest and most innovative and sustainable growers in Bulgaria - Otbrani. The session was dedicated to plant protection - challenges from changing climate and regulatory environment, but also best practices for sustainable and clean production, and improved crop quality and profitability.
The Dutch experts, led by RVFC, shared more about the experience of the growers in the Netherlands and the latest and most sustainable solutions they implement. The delegation was also curious to learn about the problems their Bulgarian colleagues face and their approach in solving them.
The Dutch delegation highly appreciated hospitality and professional attitude of Otbrani as well as growers’ curiosity and active participation in discussions. Openness to share and tackle challenges together is a key step towards a substantial and sustainable growth in Bulgarian berry sector.
Beeld: LAN – Embassy of the Netherlands to Bulgaria
Dutch delegation visits Bulgarian fruit producers to strengthen partnerships and share horticultural expertise.
Pome and stone fruits
And just the next day the group participated in a vibrant and inspiring training and knowledge exchange session on pome and stone fruits led by Dutch leading expert Ronald Vermeulen of RVFC and Prof. Stefan Gandev - chairman of the Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria, and attended by many growers and professionals.
The event took place at the premises of the Fruit Growing Institute in Plovdiv, where in 2025, a trial apple orchard was established with the support of Boomkwekerij Fleuren who delivered a top-quality planting material. The goal of the trial is to test different (and more intensive) planting systems and training formations and practices, and their results on Bulgarian soil, climate and market conditions. The discussion also touched upon hot topics like changes in climate and regulations, plant protection, and water and soil management.
The Netherlands is committed to be a long-term, reliable partner of Bulgaria in realizing its great potential for sustainable and competitive fruit production. And a good understanding of Bulgarian context is key in fulfilling this goal.
Beeld: Source: LAN – Embassy of the Netherlands to Bulgaria
Participants of the Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria initiative during a fruit production training and networking event.
Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria
Netherlands Fruit Basket Bulgaria is a 3-year Partners for International Business (PIB) program by a cluster of 15 Dutch companies providing from-A-to-Z high quality solutions for competitive and sustainable fruit production in Bulgaria. The initiative is supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and facilitated by Netherlands Agricultural Network and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bulgaria.
More information
For more information, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network in Bulgaria via: sof-lvvn@minbuza.nl