Exploratory Agri-Food Mission to Argentina

Why Argentina and why now?

Argentina offers a unique combination of natural resources, agricultural scale, innovation capacity and export-oriented value chains, making it a strategic partner for the Dutch agri-food sector.

In addition, Argentina is undergoing a period of significant economic transformation, characterized by greater macroeconomic stability, market-oriented reforms and an ongoing deregulation process aimed at improving the business environment, increasing competitiveness and facilitating trade and investment. This new context is generating renewed interest and opportunities for international companies looking to strengthen their presence in the region.

Moreover, with the recent entry into force of the EU–Mercosur Agreement, new opportunities are emerging to strengthen cooperation and build more integrated and resilient agri-food value chains between the Netherlands and Argentina.

Focus

The mission will give you an overview of recent developments in the Argentine economy: what has changed in recent years, how the market has opened up to foreign investment, and where the demand for foreign services, products and companies is growing. You will also gain insight into the opportunities created by the EU‑Mercosur trade agreement. This will help you identify new prospects early on and position yourself in a dynamic market that is becoming increasingly attractive for Dutch companies and organisations. This part of the programme will take place in Buenos Aires and is linked to the EU Investment and Business Forum. 

Following the programme in Buenos Aires, the mission will continue in the Argentine countryside. We then zoom in on two segments with strong potential for sustainable Dutch solutions in agrifood: open‑field agriculture and animal husbandry. Argentina is known for its vast areas of soy, grains, peanuts and other crops, which offer concrete opportunities for new technologies and approaches. In particular, there is demand in agtech, digitalisation, AI, soil health, bio‑fertilisers, precision agriculture, water management and post‑harvest solutions to further develop and green open‑field agriculture.

Argentina is also a major player in livestock production. Here as well, Dutch expertise can support development and sustainability. The poultry, pig and diary sectors, though less visible internationally, are growing and modernising. Dutch solutions can help make these chains more sustainable, for example through animal‑friendly housing systems, traceability and other innovative concepts.

Set up & activities

The mission aims to connect Dutch companies with key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including producers, exporters, agribusiness companies, knowledge institutions and public sector representatives, while showcasing Argentina’s potential in sustainable agriculture, food processing and value-added agribusiness.

Through field visits, workshops and networking activities, participants will better understand the challenges and needs of Argentine agri-food sector, while exploring how Dutch knowledge, technologies and solutions could contribute to more sustainable and resilient production systems. Participation at the EU Investment and Business Forum in Buenos Aires will give you the possibility to firsthand information and networks.

The field programme will take place primarily in the Pampas Region, the productive heartland of Argentina and one of the world's most fertile agricultural areas. Characterised by its vast, flat plains and temperate climate, the region accounts for the largest share of the country's grain, oilseed and livestock production. It is home to highly professional farming operations that combine large-scale crop production—mainly soybeans, maize, wheat, sunflower and peanuts—with beef and dairy farming. The Pampas also lead Argentina in the adoption of no-till farming, precision agriculture and digital technologies, making the region an ideal setting to explore opportunities for Dutch innovation and collaboration.

Tentative draft agenda

- subject to modifications.

*The programme is currently under development. The final agenda will be tailored to the interests and profiles of the participating companies and organisations.

Costs and participation

The participation fee is €650 (excluding VAT) per organisation and covers the attendance of one participant. An additional participant from the same organisation may join for €325 (excluding VAT). A maximum of two participants per organisation is permitted. This fee includes:

• Shared transfers to and from programme locations (organized for the entire mission group)
• Lunches and dinners mentioned in the program (organized for the entire mission group)
• Field visits
• Network events
• Access to relevant studies and background information

The participation fee does not include travel to and from Argentina, accommodation, or other personal expenses, which are the responsibility of each participant. The Agricultural Office will provide participants with a list of recommended hotels offering corporate rates and located in strategic areas close to the mission activities.

Working languages: English and Spanish (with interpretation services whenever possible).

The Agricultural Office of the Dutch embassy in Argentina organizes this exploratory mission, with budget from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.

The Dutch government considers responsible business conduct (RBC) important and endorses the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These lay down the RBC standards for internationally active entrepreneurs.