GroenPact is an initiative that started in 2016 as a partnership between organizations representing the business environment, the education sector and government institutions that aim to cooperate using education as an essential link for a green, sustainable future. The first stage between 2017-2018 focused on creating a strong link between the business environment and education, followed by a second stage 2019-2020 in which the partners focused on increasing the economic and social impact of the implemented actions.

The 2020 assessment showed that the success of GroenPact must continue to be based on educational and practical innovation to support the continued green transformation of the economy and society, sustainable production of sufficient, safe and healthy food, reduction of CO2 footprint and adaptation. climate change, biodiversity conservation and a healthy and safe living environment.

Starting with 2019, the initiative became active in Romania, contributing to the identification of sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the Romanian agro-educational sector in a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Romanian agricultural high schools already considered an example of good practice. European and international level.

With the launch in 2021 of the Center of Excellence for Agri-Food and Sustainable Development Educational Resources, bilateral cooperation is entering a new stage of strengthening the links between educational institutions in the two countries with the support of business and government institutions, facilitating exchanges of educational materials, teaching aids, demonstration materials and information, organization of joint educational programs including for teacher training as well as collaboration in international projects.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s program Partners in International Business promotes public-private cooperation for successful business in the international market. Within this program during 2014-2019, three agricultural initiatives were implemented in Romania: Holland Fruit House, Holland Horticulture House and Holland Diary House. Through the partnerships promoted between the agribusiness sector, the research and development sector and public authorities in Romania and the Netherlands, the three initiatives continue to actively support the cooperation between the two countries for innovation and sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

World Horti Center is the international center of knowledge and innovation for horticulture in protected areas. A leading platform in which business, education, research and government innovate together, connect, inspire and share knowledge.

Every year, the World Horti Center is visited by 25,000 international professionals, looking for connections, knowledge and innovations in horticulture and who want to contribute to the sustainable provision of food. Top horticultural companies and innovations are permanently represented in this center which is a complete and current reflection of the technological level and value chain in the horticultural sector, floriculture and food industry.

To continue to innovate and maintain its international position, the World Horti Center also includes a state-of-the-art research center with 38 greenhouse departments where researchers, entrepreneurs and various educational institutions carry out joint research activities. In addition, the World Horti Center provides a learning environment for global talent by working with leading (green) universities.

World Horti Center is a unique collaboration between education, research, entrepreneurs and government, with an international focus. MBO Westland, Demokwekerij Westland, WHC Expo bv and Municipality of Westland together form the World Horti Center.

Hands Across Romania Association (HAR)

The Hands Across Romania Association (HAR) is a supporter of dual vocational education. According to the data published on the association’s website, they reached 12,000 parents and as many students carrying the message that the profession is one of the best options for the independence of a young person.

According to employers, the main causes of the difficulties are the insufficient number of candidates available on the market (41%), the lack of specific professional knowledge (so-called hard skills) (22%) and the lack of experience required for the position (16%).

In this context, HAR invites entities interested in dual vocational education to be part of VoHub – the coalition to promote dual vocational education to contribute to the development of this form of education by improving the legislative framework and strengthening the reputation of vocational education in general.

Dairy Campus focuses on the entire dairy chain, from grass to glass, with a focus on milk production. Innovative projects and activities are carried out at Dairy Campus in order to generate new information and knowledge that stimulates innovation in the dairy chain, maintaining the connection between science and practice. Thus, new knowledge is generated here that will contribute to a sustainable future, in which sufficient, healthy and safe milk is produced, with respect for people, animals and the environment.

Dairy Campus is part of Wageningen University & Research, but is also linked to organizations such as universities of applied sciences (Van Hall Larenstein), high schools and vocational schools (Nordwin College), representative organizations of farmers (LTO Nederland), cooperatives (Friesland Campina, RUG Campus Fryslân), local and regional authorities (town of Leeuwarden and province of Fryslân). Dairy Campus is part of the national Agrifood cluster and is also connected to other Dutch clusters, Food Valley Wageningen, Leeuwarden Water Campus and Sino Dutch Dairy Development Center in Beijing – China.