Let's innovate our way out of a global food loss challenge.

The Netherlands is a force to be reckoned with; it's the second-largest food exporter in the world due to several factors. The country's strong agricultural sector is supported by favorable climate conditions and a long farming tradition.

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One of the main reasons for the Netherlands' success as a food exporter is its fertile soil, which is well-suited to growing a wide range of crops. The country has a temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers, which allows for year-round farming. 

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The Netherlands is a leading producer of dairy products, such as cheese and milk, and vegetables, such as potatoes and onions. The country is a major meat exporter, with pork being one of its top exports and a leading producer of wheat, barley, and corn.

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Innovation is not new to the Netherlands; it has a long history of innovation in agriculture, and its farmers have developed advanced techniques to produce high-quality crops.

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Is vertical farming the next big thing in agriculture?

In the Netherlands, vertical farming has gained significant traction in recent years, with many companies adopting this innovative approach to food production. One of the main advantages of vertical farming in the Netherlands is the ability to grow crops in urban environments, which can help to reduce food waste in the supply chain.

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Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach to agriculture that involves growing crops in stacked layers, using hydroponic or aeroponic systems, in a controlled environment. This farming method offers many benefits, including a reduction in water usage and the ability to grow crops year-round.

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Food waste is a major problem in the global food supply chain, with an estimated one-third of all food produced going to waste. This has environmental consequences and a significant economic impact, as the resources used to produce this food are wasted.

By growing crops in urban environments, vertical farming in the Netherlands can help to reduce food waste by bringing production closer to consumption. This not only reduces the distance that food needs to travel but also allows for more efficient distribution, which can help to reduce waste.

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The controlled environment of vertical farming allows for precise management of factors such as temperature, light, and moisture, which can help to improve crop yields and reduce waste. This can also reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts.

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Food security is on the decline. 

Vertical farming in the Netherlands has the potential to increase food security. As the world population continues to grow, the demand for food is also increasing, and traditional farming methods may be unable to keep up. 

According to an FAO report from 2022, there's been an increase of ~200M undernourished people between 2017 and 2021. 

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The world upended thirty years of progress in just three years. This is a challenge that is very real.

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According to FAO, there's a current calorie gap of 56% by 2050, and innovation is key for us to continue to feed the human population by 2050. 

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Vertical farming can solve this challenge as it allows for more food production in a smaller area, which can help meet the growing demand.

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Overall, Dutch vertical farming is a promising approach to addressing food waste and improving food security. As technology continues to develop, it has the potential to play a significant role in the future of agriculture.

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While we wait for vertical farming to get broad adoption, shypple has introduced the world's first digital fresh forwarding platform. Shypple is a digital freight forwarder that supports the movement of fresh goods or other perishable products. This innovation is a big step for the cold chain industry who ensures that food and medicine are transported safely from A to B.