AIPH Affiliate Member Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD), together with the Municipality of Westland and the Netherlands Embassy in Japan, is leading a high-level horticulture mission to Japan from 30 August to 6 September 2025. The visit coincides with Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, Japan, and provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the Netherlands’ world-leading expertise in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
At the heart of the mission is the CEA Symposium, the flagship event bringing Dutch and Japanese experts together to explore the future of high-tech horticulture. Discussions on decarbonisation, agri valleys, robotics, and AI will be framed by contributions from former NASA scientist Raymond Wheeler, Dutch Vice-Minister for Agriculture Marten van den Berg, and Westland Mayor Bouke Arends. Westland will also renew its collaboration with Kochi Prefecture.
The programme underlines the value of international dialogue. Delegates will visit greenhouses and plant factories across Ibaraki, Mie, Aichi, and Shizuoka prefectures, take part in finance and innovation symposia, and engage with the Japan Greenhouse Horticulture Association. These exchanges are designed to strengthen collaboration, identify shared opportunities, and inspire resilient food systems.
The mission also connects with the emerging Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions, an initiative symbolised by an artwork made from recycled greenhouse glass, highlighting how regional leaders can achieve more by working together.
The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo Osaka Kansai provides a striking backdrop, designed around the theme of “Common Ground.” Alongside water, energy, and circularity, it also highlights the role of agrifood and horticulture in solving shared global challenges.
This initiative showcases the leadership role of AIPH Members in fostering international cooperation, sharing innovative solutions, and cultivating future-proof systems for the benefit of growers and societies worldwide. AIPH members can also hear directly from Dutch Greenhouse Delta at the upcoming 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, on Tuesday, 16 September, where CEO Mirjam Boekestijn will present a practical overview of “Technology Trends in Greenhouse Horticulture”.
For more information, visit this page: www.aiph.org/event/annual-congress-2025/
