Dutch eyes potato opportunities in PH

by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 08/04/2011 5:17 PM | Updated as of 08/04/2011 5:17 PM

THE NETHERLANDS - Many Dutch businessmen are starting to show an interest in agriculture in the Philippines.

This sudden interest marks the success of the Philippine Netherlands Business Council or PNBC’s working luncheon where it showcased the richness or potential wealth from agriculture in the Philippines.

Together with the Philippine Embassy and East West Seeds, EU Agricultural Attache Pit Laquian highlighted the investment opportunities in agriculture.

Laquian said agriculture is a highly productive business in the Philippines, particularly in potatoes.

According to Laquian, the Philippines imports potatoes 100% because of the high consumption of French fries and chips of Filipinos.

He said Pinoys have the capability to plant, sow and harvest the same volume of potatoes that the Philippines imports every month, but the only problem is lack of capital.
Laquian said that if there will be sufficient investment in the planting of potatoes, the Philippines can easily save around $200 million per year.

Many Dutch businessmen showed interest in the concept. Even the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture sent a representative to learn about agriculture in the Philippines.

"Now the Philippines as a tropical country has a very different agricultural business than the Netherlands. Nevertheless, we think the Dutch people could assist in developing agricultural business in the Philippines,” John Lintjer, PNBC chairman said.

In fact, a trade mission has now been set to go to the Philippines to check the agri-food and food processing there.

"We know from personal experience the Philippines from many years ago as an interesting country, a growing country. It became more stable in a political way, it's a growing economy and we have chosen the agro, agro-industrial sector,” Steven Mulder of NCH said.

Even some Pinoys who invested in real estate are now having second thoughts.

“Na-inspire lang ako na after ko narinig yung presentation... yung binili naming lupa sa Pampanga is to convert na lang to agriculture land," Pinay Olive van Dijck said.

Individuals interested in the trade mission to the Philippines may contact Vice Consul Cynthia Pelayo at the Philippine Embassy, multilateral@philembassy.nl.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/08/04/11/dutch-eyes-potato-opportunities-ph