Event on sustainability and agribusiness challenges in Romania
On Wednesday 22 November 2023 the LAN team of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and their partners held the event „Sustainability and agribusiness challenges/opportunities in the context of climate changes and geopolitics” in the Grand Hotel in Bucharest.
The event attracted a diverse audience comprising farmers, agri-food businesses, professional associations, authorities, policy experts, as well as students, professors, and researchers from Romania and the Netherlands.
Willemijn van Haaften, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Sorin Moise, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development gave an opening speech, underlining the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and Romania. The countries might look quite different, but they also have a lot in common, for example the joint need to adapt to climate change and cope with drought. In this field there is a lot we can learn from each other and do together.
The occasion served as a platform for in-depth discussions on dilemmas and solutions pertaining to economically, environmentally, and socially viable practices in the agriculture sector. A range of hopeful and impactful messages and examples were showcased in the speeches and presentations of government, research institutes and companies. Also a comprehensive booklet on Dutch-inspired solutions for effective water-soil management, a co-production of students of Van Hall Larenstein and the Centre of Excellence on AgriEducation, was launched. The booklet highlights the best practices for water-soil management and is available on Agriedu Portal.
Another key feature was the award ceremony for the „Water-Energy-Food Nexus” Posters Competition for students from the Netherlands and Romania. Approximately 50 posters from both countries were submitted. The two (Romanian and Dutch) winning teams held a short pitch based on their designed posters, explaining this complex concept in a simple way. The winners are Alexandra Hirsch, from Babeş-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca representing Romania, Martijn Bloem & Marloes Hogeweg from Hogeschool van Hall Larenstein, Velp, representing the Netherlands.
"This afternoon, our embassy has curated a comprehensive programme addressing the pressing challenges facing agriculture and agribusiness - climate change and geopolitical uncertainties. I am a firm believer that through exchange, inspiration, and collaboration, we can navigate these challenges, discovering new and more sustainable methods to produce and ensure the availability of food products. The promotion of sustainable and resilient food systems is a central policy focus in the EU, and in the Netherlands, we are dedicated to working collectively with our partners”, said Willemijn van Haaften, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
"The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible in Romania and internationally, posing a threat to biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture means lower costs, and sustainable farming is a priority on the European Union's agenda as well. The implementation of sustainable solutions has a significant contribution to environmental protection and also contributes to the long-term success of a business”, stated Sorin Moise, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
In her presentation, Daniela Giurcă underlined several important factors: "The European Union aims to become the first climate-neutral economy and society by 2050, with an interim goal of reducing emissions across Europe by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Romania has already reduced emissions between 1990 and 2018 by 53%; however, an additional reduction of 3.9% is still required to meet the 'Fit for 55' targets by 2030."
Teofil Dascălu, of the Frizon Group shared some examples of sustainable agricultural practices in precision agriculture and measures of carbon capture his company is applying. „Farming will have to change in the near future. We need to anticipate and adapt by using innovative solutions”, he stated, adding that “the best way to predict the future is to invent it”.
The conference benefited also from the presence of Sigrid Wertheim-Heck of Wageningen University & Research, who had a captivating presentation on the general context and on the aspects that should be taken into account when building resilient and sustainable food systems.
The Agricultural Counsellor, Sophie Neve, closed the occasion by saying that this was not a one-time event, but that the LAN-team will continue to take up these topics. „We will continue organising activities that facilitate the collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, technologies and innovation between the Netherlands and Romania in the field of sustainable food systems and sustainable agriculture. If you might have any request, ideas or needs, please feel welcome to address me and my team.”