Jeonbuk State of South Korea and Dutch Embassy Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation in Food Protein Innovation
Jeonbuk State and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Seoul have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance global cooperation in the field of proteins and food innovation on April 15, 2025. This strategic partnership aims to drive innovation in food technology, with a particular focus on cultured meat, plant-based proteins, and next-generation protein sources.
Jeonbuk State
Jeonbuk State stands at the heart of South Korea’s agri-food industry, thanks to its expansive agricultural plains, nutrient-rich soil, and temperate climate that create optimal conditions for farming. The region is a leading producer of staple crops such as rice, barley, and various vegetables. Its strategic importance in agriculture has attracted numerous national research institutes, including the Rural Development Administration (RDA) and the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), as well as key agricultural clusters like Foodpolis, K-Seed Valley, and the Smart Farm Innovation Valley. Jeonbuk is also home to major agri-food companies such as Harim and is set to host the upcoming Saemangeum Food Hub, further solidifying its role as a central player in Korea’s agricultural future.
Alternative Protein Cooperation
In a significant step toward advancing sustainable food solutions, the Jeonbuk State and the Embassy have discussed to jointly fund an opportunity report exploring the protein transition in Korea and the Netherlands, each contributing EUR 20,000. While Korea remains in the early stages of this transition, there is growing interest in emerging food technologies such as cultured meat and plant-based proteins. Korea’s traditional use of soybeans and seaweed provides a solid cultural and culinary foundation for alternative protein development. The report aims to identify new opportunities in food tech and business collaboration.
In October 2024, Korean private company Whoniz signed a EUR 1.5 million technology acquisition deal with WUR (Wageningen University and Research Center), a partnership where the Agriculture team of the Embassy played a supporting role. Based on the deal, Whoniz has explored investment opportunities in the Saemangeum Food Hub area in Jeonbuk for their protein production facilities.
Looking ahead, the Embassy invited Jeonbuk State and Korean food companies to Osaka in June for the World Expo, where they could join the Dutch alternative protein delegation and pursue collaboration opportunities, including those supported by Horizon Europe.
To further solidify these initiatives, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Jeonbuk Governor on April 15, 2025.
Visit to Jeonbuk State and signing MOU
Under the agreement, Jeonbuk State and the Embassy(LAN team) will collaborate on key initiatives, including:
- Joint analysis of industry trends and the global alternative protein landscape
- Exchange programs and visits between Korean and Dutch delegations
- Facilitation of partnerships between companies and research institutions
- Participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe R&D platform
- Development of additional joint projects in the agri-food sector
Ahead of the signing, Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet toured the Saemangeum region, including its port and agricultural sites, to explore opportunities for integrating Dutch expertise in food logistics and innovation. Wageningen Food and Biobased Research previously carried out a feasibility study for establishing a global food hub in Saemangeum.
Ambassador and his team also visited the Korean National Food Cluster, where they reviewed support facilities for food companies and discussed infrastructure development for plant-based alternatives.
Governor Kim Kwan-young of Jeonbuk expressed confidence in the partnership, saying, “The Netherlands is a world leader in food tech and a top EU investor in Korea. This collaboration will help position Jeonbuk as a key hub for Asia’s food tech industry.”
Ambassador echoed this sentiment, stating, “The protein transition is essential to building sustainable food systems. We look forward to working closely with Jeonbuk to address global food and climate challenges together.”
