Green-blue employment in the Netherlands
GOA Ventures: Highlighting Dutch Innovation in the Blue Green Sector
In a recent news flash, we shared our first meeting with members of the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER). The SER, which advises the Dutch Government on key issues at both ministerial and parliamentary levels, was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature to create a report on Dutch innovation and its impact on employment opportunities in the agri-food, fishery, and water management sectors – also called the blue-green sector.
On October 7, 2024, SER Chairman Mr. Kim Putters provided a sneak preview of the report on the TV show “Good Morning Netherlands”. During the show, GOA Ventures was featured as a prime example of valuable innovation offering employment opportunities in both the green (protein and energy transition) and blue (maritime) sector. The report calls on Dutch authorities and the political climate to remain vigilant and to create policies to keep Dutch innovations and their associated economic benefits within the Netherlands.
‘’Verleun hits the nail on the head. These types of innovations as in GOA ventures, will deliver a substantial employment, business and economic benefits to the Netherlands, and must be embraced to scale-up much faster. The Dutch government must support such initiatives” According to Mr Putters.
Challenges of Establishing a Blue Green Company in the Netherlands
At GOA Ventures, we have developed a seaweed processing technology rooted in Dutch innovation and supported by investments from Dutch companies. However, this technology requires substantial amounts of seaweed.
Despite the Netherlands’ extensive territory on the North Sea, the Dutch fishing industry is struggling, and employment in and around the North Sea has been severely impacted. Our startup faces significant challenges due to the complex regulations governing access to the North Sea for seaweed production.
These regulatory hurdles also hinder the scale-up of our innovations. Other startups, SMEs, and associations related to new maritime employment face similar difficulties. For instance, a leading Dutch technology provider in seaweed seed production for offshore farming primarily conducts its business abroad.
Shifting Focus to International Opportunities
As a result, many entrepreneurs are shifting their focus to regions that proactively embrace new employment opportunities. Canada, for example, has provided a warm welcome to GOA Ventures.
Recognizing the decline in the salmon fishing industry and its negative impact on indigenous, coastal, and rural communities, Canadian associations initiated a study in 2022 to explore alternative employment options. Seaweed was identified as a viable solution.
In 2023, a scan of potential farming and processing technologies was conducted, followed by a conference where these technologies were presented.
By early 2024, preferred technologies were selected, and initial plans, pre-contracts, and license agreements were signed.
Canadian Support for the Blue Green Sector
The Canadian authorities’ support includes setting up a re-schooling structure for salmon farmers and processors to transition to seaweed farming and processing.
These trained and certified individuals will return to their communities, receiving assistance from fisheries associations to establish commercial activities and support their local economy. GOA Ventures’ technology will be used in these training programs, providing hands-on experience in seaweed processing.
The first financial tranche for setting up a seaweed school is expected to be released by the end of 2024. The comprehensive support from Canadian associations and authorities covers site and community selection, permitting, communications, promotion and financial assistance.
Remarkably, it took only two years for Canadian authorities to recognize the problem and establish a support system.
Dutch Policy Must Change to Support Dutch Innovation
In summary, Dutch innovations and investments are moving abroad, creating new employment opportunities that will be partly owned by Canadian authorities.
A global rollout of these innovations could have benefited the Dutch economy and employment if the Netherlands had been quicker to offer support.
For startups and scale-ups like GOA Ventures, the extensive support and welcome from other countries significantly reduce the time spent in the ‘innovation valley of death’, even if it means granting exclusivity and ownership to our non-Dutch partners. Link video WNL (in Dutch)
