Browse Data and Analysis

Hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) foodservice industry sales in the Netherlands in 2023 were valued at €15.3 billion in 2023, up by nine percent compared to 2022. Last year, sales in all segments saw an increase but restaurants and cafés saw its sales go up the most, profiting from the trading down trend among consumers.

The biotechnology regulatory system in Ukraine is still not fully developed, but the country is gradually adjusting its domestic policies to align with European Union regulations.

Bolivia announced on October 19 the approval of Intacta, a new biotech soybean variety with insect resistant Bt and glyphosate resistant traits. Intense drought and more unpredictable weather are disrupting Bolivian farmer livelihoods and they see the Intacta approval as one helpful step towards improved crop productivity and environmental resilience.

This report assesses the agricultural biotechnology sector in the Netherlands, and covers related production, trade, and policies. It includes topics related to genetic engineering and innovative plant, animal, and microbial biotechnologies.

Ukraine’s wheat, barley, and rye harvest for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 has concluded. MY2024/25 corn production is smaller due to lower yields. Post estimates MY2024/25 beginning stocks for grains at minimal levels, as Ukraine was able to maintain an independent export corridor out of its Odesa region ports for most of MY2023/24.

In 2025, Ukraine’s fluid milk production will decrease slightly due to growth in the size and productivity of industrial farms, despite a larger decrease in dairy cow inventory.

Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals.

On September 13, 2024, The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature presented a plan to address the Dutch manure crisis. This crisis is caused by the (gradual) loss of a Dutch manure derogation under the Nitrate Directive (EU Council Directive 91/676/EEC), and has posed significant difficulties for farmers, while incurring high costs.

On September 13, 2024, the Dutch Cabinet presented its government program for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, outlining key initiatives and commitments for the coming years.

Post forecasts Ukraine’s walnut production at 101,300 metric tons (MT) for marketing year (MY) 2024/25, a 4 percent decrease against MY2023/24. Household production continues to slide as old, non-productive trees are being chopped down.

Ukraine introduced procedures for the approval of minimum export prices for selected bulk commodities, including grains, oilseeds, vegetable oils and meals, walnuts, and honey.

This year’s apple harvest is expected to be 197,000 MT, slightly lower than last year’s numbers and the lowest in a decade. Pear production is set to drop by around nine percent, with a total of 327,000 MT. The decrease in pear harvest is mostly due to tough growing conditions throughout the season, leading to fewer fruits per tree. When it comes to the land being harvested, apple acreage is shrinking further, down to about 5,220 hectares.