Kazakhstan is already a major grain producer. The next challenge is to create more value from what it produces. Better storage, quality control, processing and logistics, combined with access to demanding international markets, are becoming increasingly important. This creates opportunities for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions specialised in building efficient and resilient food systems.
Beeld: Kazakhstan, Akmolinskaya oblast, harvesting
Akmolinskaya oblast of Kazakhstan
A field visit by the LVVN team of the Netherlands Embassy in Astana, together with European government colleagues, to Akmola Region on 17 September showed this development at first hand. In this vast, golden grain region, the focus is gradually shifting from production volumes towards quality, technology and added value.
In brief: opportunities for Dutch expertise
Beeld: © Akimat of Akmolinskaya oblast / Grain analyzer
Grain analyzer
Kazakhstan offers opportunities in:
- grain storage, handling and quality control;
- processing and value creation;
- logistics, traceability and digital solutions;
- training, technical support and knowledge transfer.
The business opportunity is broader than selling equipment. Kazakhstan increasingly needs integrated solutions that combine technology, knowledge, skilled people and long-term support. This applies not only to grain, but also to sectors such as dairy, poultry, aquaculture, horticulture and seed production.
And this is precisely where the Dutch approach can make a difference.
From grain to added value
Akmola Region, surrounding the capital Astana, is one of Kazakhstan’s main grain-producing areas. Despite a dry summer, producers reported good grain quality this season.
Kazakh grain is already exported to European markets, including Italy, Belgium, Latvia and Poland. But expanding further into these markets requires more than competitive prices, large volumes and meeting basic standards.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Dutch Agricultural Counsellor Arie Veldhuizen, Akmola Region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov, Vice Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova
Dutch Agricultural Counsellor Arie Veldhuizen, Akmola Region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov, Vice Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova
During a discussion with the Governor of Akmola Region, Arie Veldhuizen, Agricultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Netherlands, stressed this point:
“Europe is a demanding market. In addition to price and volumes, European buyers attach great importance to food safety, consistent product characteristics, traceability and sustainable production.”
This puts greater emphasis on laboratory testing, modern storage, quality management, processing and reliable logistics throughout the supply chain.
The Dutch strength: combining technology and knowledge
The Netherlands is not a major grain producer. Its strength lies in developing efficient and resilient agri-food value chains, connecting technology, logistics, processing, quality control and knowledge.
But advanced technology alone is not enough. Skilled people are needed to operate equipment, understand the entire production chain and identify critical points where quality, efficiency or food safety can be improved.
This combination of technology, knowledge, training and long-term support is an important strength of the Dutch approach.
Beeld: Kazakhstan, Akmolinskaya oblast
Harvesting in Kazakhstan
It fits well with Kazakhstan’s ambitions. Dutch-Kazakh agricultural cooperation already covers greenhouse horticulture, seeds and planting materials, dairy, poultry, education, technology and logistics. Increasingly, cooperation is moving beyond individual transactions towards longer-term partnerships between companies, governments, research organisations and educational institutions.
Building resilient food systems takes time. It also requires mutual ambition and partners willing to invest in a long-term relationship.
Looking ahead
The next steps will be discussed during the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Joint Agricultural Working Group, taking place in The Hague on 13–14 October 2026.
The message from the grain fields of Akmola is clear: Kazakhstan has the production potential. The Dutch added value lies in bringing technology, knowledge and people together to create more value from that potential.
Beeld: Kazakhstan, Akmolinskaya oblast
Demonstration of grain export potential for Diplomatic missions in Kazakhstan