Earlier this month, Oregon State University (OSU) researchers welcomed a group of farmers and agricultural technology representatives from the Netherlands during an international exchange visit focused on agricultural innovation in Oregon.
The visit was part of the Orchard of the Future initiative, an international collaboration established a few years ago among commercial growers, university researchers, and government agencies in Oregon, Washington, and the Netherlands. This marked the first time a Dutch delegation visited Oregon as part of the partnership. During their stay, they toured two OSU Extension field research stations and several local agribusinesses before continuing to Washington State.
Joe Davidson, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Engineering and a specialist in agricultural robotics, highlighted the Netherlands’ role as a global leader in agricultural technology, particularly in controlled-environment agriculture. Dutch growers have developed advanced greenhouse systems for producing vegetables and flowers, and also have significant tree fruit industries, especially apples and pears.
“They’re tackling similar challenges to what we see in Oregon and Washington,” Davidson said. “Rather than duplicating efforts, we’re working collaboratively because we share common goals and bring complementary expertise to the table.”
Davidson serves as OSU’s representative on the Orchard of the Future leadership team, which meets biweekly and has facilitated several joint research projects between American and Dutch institutions. The partnership has also enabled graduate student exchanges. Some OSU students have spent time in the Netherlands, while Dutch students have collaborated with Davidson’s lab on robotics projects.
During the Oregon visit, the Dutch delegation toured the North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora and the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MCAREC) in Hood River. They observed a pear rootstock trial, attended a mechanical blueberry harvesting demonstration, and engaged with OSU faculty on the state’s berry, hazelnut, and tree fruit sectors.
“They were particularly impressed by how our Extension programs serve as a bridge between academic research and real-world agricultural practices,” Davidson noted. “They saw this connection as a significant strength.”
Looking ahead, the collaboration will continue identifying new opportunities to develop tools and technologies that support both farmworkers and growers.
Researchers interested in joining future projects or learning more can contact Joe Davidson directly or reach out to MCAREC Director Brian Pearson, a member of the Orchard of the Future’s external advisory board.
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