The Dutch fruit and vegetable sector has benefited significantly from the country's membership of the European Union and the euro, according to a new report commissioned by leading fresh produce marketer The Greenery.
The report, which was compiled by Clingendael, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, was presented to Bernard Wientjes, chairman of the Federation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, by Philip Smits, The Greenery's general manager.
According to its findings, recent growth in the fresh produce trade in the Netherlands had been aided by the safety and stability offered by the EU, which had effectively offered the country a larger internal market with a single currency.
'Trade has grown strongly as a result and the Netherlands has meanwhile become the world's largest vegetable exporting country,' said a spokesperson for The Greenery.
'The past two decades have also seen fruit exports double while considerable employment has also been generated.'
European regulations on food safety, the environment and working conditions, meanwhile, had helped to ensure fair competition, the report noted.
For that reason, the Netherlands clearly has a considerable vested interest in ensuring that Europe builds upon its recent achievements.
Wientjes commented: 'Europe's future is currently the focus of political debate. Trade and industry should continue to voice their opinion because precisely Europe and the Euro are key for trade and industry.
'I therefore welcome The Greenery's efforts in making its voice heard and in providing its members with objective information on the importance of Europe and the Euro to ensure the integrity of opinion forming,'
Smits added: 'We believe we have an obligation to provide our members with the correct information on the importance of the euro and the EU. After all, investing in the EU generates significant returns for our sector.
'In addition, in conducting research with a focus on Europe we would again like to highlight the importance of the horticultural sector for the Dutch economy.'
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