Holland House Brings GLOBALG.A.P. to Mexico

As The Netherlands’ Mexican Chamber of Commerce, one of Holland House Mexico’s (HHM) main objectives is to strengthen and develop business networks that enable its members to solidify their presence in the country. HHM represents the interests of its members in the local market and their respective industries through publications and events, and actively contributes to business development through matchmaking services, commercial missions, and Dutch pavilions at trade exhibitions. Our network represents organizations from all the major industries in Mexico and The Netherlands.

One of the sectors considered strategic by the Dutch government is agribusiness, which is why HHM decided to incorporate this industry among its strategic focus sectors. Holland House Mexico recognized that Mexico’s mild climate, abundance of agricultural land and attractive labor force have positioned the country as one of the world leaders in horticultural production. Serving both a domestic market of almost 130 million people as well as export markets around the world, Mexico has become an important exporter of vegetables, fruits and flowers, and an attractive market for agricultural technology, which matches with the fact that The Netherlands is perceived as an innovative and high-quality supplier in the high-tech agribusiness. Some of the opportunities in the sector between the two countries include:

• High-tech agri- and horticulture form a fast-growing sector

• High demand for knowledge and expertise on agro-parks and agro-logistics

• Demand for gourmet Dutch food products and organic food products

There are different ways in which Holland House Mexico participates and organizes events relevant to the different industries and sectors we are focused on. One example is our involvement in different industry-specific events through Dutch Pavilions, such as the traditional Dutch Pavilion at the Congreso Mexicano del Petróleo, the leading event for the oil and gas industry in Mexico. The event is held every year, with the 2022 edition marking the return to in-person events after a two-year pause caused by the COVID pandemic. This edition was held from July 6-9, in Villahermosa, Tabasco. 

The relevance of the Dutch Pavilion was reflected by the presence of important authorities, decision-makers and government officials, such as the Honorary Consul for Tabasco and Campeche Juan Pablo Vega; Federico García, Minister of Economic Development and Competitiveness of Tabasco; Sheila Cadena, Head of the Ministry for Energy Development in Tabasco; and Gerardo Clemente Martinez, President of the Mexican Association of Exploration Geophysicists AMGE. Nine companies in total participated with a stand in the Pavilion and we organized a networking cocktail sponsored by Fermaca Marine and Naviera Integral where guests were delighted to enjoy Heineken beer and Dutch “stroopwafels.”

Another way in which Holland House Mexico is pursuing its objective of generating business in one of our strategic sectors is by partnering with specialized international organizations like GLOBALG.A.P., an internationally recognized standard for farm production. Its core product is the result of years of intensive research and collaboration with industry experts, producers and retailers around the globe and its objective is to achieve sustainable agricultural production that benefits farmers, retailers and consumers throughout the world.

GLOBALG.A.P. certification covers:

• Food safety and traceability

• Environment (including biodiversity)

• Workers’ health, safety and welfare

• Animal welfare, among others

Its standard demands, among other things, greater efficiency in production. It improves business performance and reduces waste of vital resources. It also requires a general approach to farming that builds in best practices for generations to come.

Since 2009, GLOBALG.A.P. has organized an event called GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR, taking the certification to different parts of the world. These tour stops have reached thousands of participants across 44 countries on six continents. The TOUR stops are considered an excellent opportunity for companies and members of the agrifood sector to learn first-hand from GLOBALG.A.P. experts and other key industry players how to:

• Optimize on-farm operations and management

• Upgrade good agricultural practices (G.A.P.) and social welfare commitment

• Export products to the world’s markets

• Access national and international trade networks

• Boost retail sales by responding to consumer demands

Companies and members of the industry that participate in the event are looking to be part of the global movement toward safe and responsible farming.

Generally, the TOUR stop is a one- to two-day conference organized in collaboration with a local, national, or regional host. We are very proud that Holland House Mexico has been selected as the local partner organizing the TOUR stop in Mexico this year. The 2022 TOUR will be held in Guadalajara on Oct. 20 and this edition will bring together leading experts of the industry to discuss various topics, such as the role of Mexico as a player in the global market of fresh agrifood products, best practices in the agrifood sector and many others. Along with the expert panelists, 250 leaders of the industry will attend the conference where important connections and business opportunities will be created.

Join us to find out about upscaling your business, expanding your trade network, and accessing the world’s markets through GLOBALG.A.P. certification and a partnership with Holland House Mexico.