Key Takeaways
- The Fresh FoodCast, launched by Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) in partnership with the Embassy and Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UAE and the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC, focuses on food security and sustainable horticulture in the Gulf.
- Hosted by Giovanni Angiolini, the podcast highlights the challenges of producing fresh food in extreme climates and explores collaborative, technology-driven solutions.
- Early episodes focus on the role of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in achieving food security and economic resilience.
- Future topics include water management, education, policy, and investment in CEA.
- The podcast is available on Buzzsprout, Apple Music, and Spotify.
The Fresh FoodCast Launches as a Platform for Regional Dialogue
The Fresh FoodCast by the Netherlands has been launched to explore how technology, collaboration, and innovation can strengthen food security and sustainability across the Gulf region.
Developed by Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) in collaboration with the Embassy and Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UAE and the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC, the podcast brings together voices from industry, research, and policy. Hosted by Giovanni Angiolini, it examines how Dutch expertise in horticulture, water management, and public-private partnerships contributes to building resilient food systems adapted to Gulf climates.
Tackling Food Production Challenges in the Gulf
Food production in the Gulf faces persistent challenges—high temperatures, limited freshwater, and poor soil quality—that make local cultivation difficult and imports necessary. Simultaneously, population growth and changing consumer expectations are increasing demand for locally grown, fresh food.
“The Gulf region is transforming its food systems at an unprecedented pace,” said Nienke Gelderloos, Agricultural Advisor UAE. “Countries are making food security not only a sustainability goal but a matter of national resilience. The Netherlands is proud to share its knowledge and expertise to collaborate on these efforts.”
The Fresh FoodCast Highlights the Role of Controlled Environment Agriculture
The first two episodes of The Fresh FoodCast explore the theme “Why Controlled Environment Agriculture Matters in the Gulf.”
The opening episode focuses on the strategic relevance of CEA, featuring insights from Dutch experts in greenhouse technology, climate management, and policy frameworks. The second episode discusses how to turn this knowledge into practical implementation through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and public-private cooperation.
Together, these episodes illustrate how CEA technologies can enhance food security while balancing sustainability and economic return.
Upcoming Episodes and Key Themes
Future installments of The Fresh FoodCast will address subjects such as sustainable water management, education and knowledge transfer, policy alignment, investment in CEA, and cold chain development. Each episode emphasizes how collaboration and tailored innovation can support regional food system goals.
Listen to The Fresh FoodCast
The Fresh FoodCast by the Netherlands is available on Buzzsprout, Apple Music, and Spotify.
The series offers insights for stakeholders across government, research, and industry who are interested in sustainable horticulture, food security, and the evolving role of Controlled Environment Agriculture in the Gulf region.
