Kazakhstan and the Netherlands Plan New Agricultural Projects and Investments
The fourth meeting of the Kazakh-Dutch Working Group on Agriculture took place in The Hague. The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Talasbek Kanafın, while the Dutch side was headed by the head of the international bilateral relations department, Martijn Weitens. Representatives from relevant organizations of both countries participated in the discussions.
The agenda included selection, seed production, agricultural science, veterinary medicine, livestock farming, aquaculture, phytosanitary safety, and plant protection. The parties discussed moving from exchanging experiences to implementing joint projects, including the adoption of digital solutions, attracting investments, and establishing processing facilities.
Seed Production and Agricultural Education
In the State Register of Kazakhstan, there are 411 varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops selected from the Netherlands. An additional 53 varieties and hybrids are under trial. Kazakhstan is also continuing its efforts to join the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan's potential participation in the Naktuinbouw PVP Toolbox program in 2027 is being considered, aiming at developing mechanisms to protect rights to new plant varieties and enhancing specialist qualifications. Under a memorandum between the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center and GroenPact, academic exchanges, joint educational programs, and applied research continue.
Livestock and Aquaculture
In the field of livestock, the parties noted the implementation of the Partners in Business initiative and a memorandum with the Dutch poultry cluster. Kazakhstani and Dutch organizations also collaborate with the Royal GD of the Netherlands. They are discussing and testing methods for diagnosing bird diseases.
The company UNIFORM-Agri signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan, which includes a pilot project for a digital ecosystem for dairy farming. This project involves livestock data management, animal health monitoring, productivity enhancement, and traceability of production processes. In 2027, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands plan to conduct a business mission on aquaculture, focusing on fish farming, closed water systems, specialized feeds, water quality control equipment, and resource saving.
Trade and Processing
By the end of 2025, agricultural trade turnover between the countries increased by 33%, with Kazakhstani agricultural exports rising 2.5 times. From January to August 2026, mutual trade reached $108.7 million. Kazakhstan aims to ramp up exports of grains and oilseed crops, processed products, and other agro-industrial goods. The parties are also discussing veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, certification, and export procedures for market access in the Netherlands and the European Union.
Projects on localizing the production of hard cheeses and feeds in Kazakhstan are being discussed separately. Other directions include greenhouse farming, water-saving technologies, seed production, agricultural product processing, and high-yield livestock farming. The timelines for launching enterprises, investment amounts, and future capacities are yet to be determined.
Kanafın stated that Kazakhstan is interested in moving towards practical results in cooperation. "The Netherlands is one of Kazakhstan's important partners in developing high-tech agriculture. Our priority is to move from experience exchange to the implementation of specific joint projects, investment attraction, and technology transfer," he said. As part of the working program, the Kazakh delegation also plans to visit innovative dairy farms and research centers in the Netherlands.
