Samenvatting

This dissertation will focus on the greenhouse vegetable horticulture sector of the Netherlands, and will investigate how Dutch greenhouse companies can benefit from the relationship with Poland. Currently, the export of the Dutch greenhouse vegetable has decreased and the sector is experiencing the effects of the crisis. In addition, the sector is aging in the Netherlands, and is experiencing pressure from environmental groups. That said, the Netherlands is still the second largest exporter of horticultural products in the world. Furthermore, the Dutch are some of the best innovators in the world.. The main strengths of the Dutch greenhouse vegetable horticulture sector are; innovation, strong entrepreneurship, knowledge and high sustainability. The main weaknesses of the Dutch greenhouse vegetable horticulture are; high production costs, high labor costs, high land prices and an over saturated market in the Netherlands.
The export of Polish horticultural products also decreased in 2011, but Poland had a GDP growth of 4.3 in 2011. The foreign investment by western European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom and the Netherlands) has increased. The current strengths in the greenhouse vegetable horticulture greenhouse vegetable horticultural sector in Poland are, a large internal market, low labor costs, cheap land prices and the fact that it borders seven countries. The weaknesses are; unclear regulation, lack of knowledge of the horticultural business, cold weather during the winter months and a lack of co-operation among growers The Polish horticultural sector offers a number of opportunities, such as a large market, proximity to numerous countries, cheap and available land and a rich labor force. The central question of this dissertation is: " How can the Dutch greenhouse vegetable Horticultural sector benefit from Poland?" Upon review of the current state of the Dutch greenhouse vegetable sector, and analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Poland, this dissertation will make three recommendations.
Recommendations
• Open production in Poland
• Sale of knowledge
• Create a platform for Dutch entrepreneurs in Poland
Research suggests that new production can be opened in Poland, and one of the most favorable cities would be Kalisz. This is mainly due to the availability of affordable land, the rich infrastructure, sufficient labor and adequate support from local government. Apart from main recommendation, this dissertation will have recommendations for; the Dutch government, the Polish Government and Dutch entrepreneurs in Poland.

Sale of knowledge is the second recommendation provided by this dissertation. Research shows that Polish greenhouses can produce more than they are currently producing, but they are unable to do so because there is a lack of knowledge in the horticulture business. The Dutch have years of experience in the field of horticulture. The Polish are aware of this and are willing to purchase the knowledge and experience that the Dutch have to offer.

The third and final recommendation is to create a platform in Poland for the Polish and Dutch growers. Research shows that Polish entrepreneurs are not willing to work together mainly because they see each other as competition. The Netherlands has a strong greenhouse horticultural position mainly because of the cooperation between the growers of greenhouse vegetables.