Digging Into Dutch Agriculture

In May, CALS students expanded their agricultural knowledge and cultural horizons during a seven-day study abroad course in the Netherlands and Germany. The Agricultural and Resource Economics (ARE) course, Netherlands: Horticulture, Floriculture, Culture and Seeds, focused on horticultural crop production techniques, agribusiness and agricultural policy, providing students with firsthand exposure to some of the most advanced and sustainable farming practices in the world.

Led by ARE Assistant Teaching Professor Michael Best and Horticultural Science Assistant Professor Melinda Knuth, students explored innovative techniques such as hydroponics, precision agriculture and sustainable farming methods. Dutch agriculture is globally recognized for its environmental consciousness, offering CALS students a unique opportunity to see how eco-friendly practices are implemented on a large scale.

The itinerary included touring the gardens at the Keukenhof Museum, home to 7 million tulips in bloom, and visiting the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. Students also toured the Syngenta vegetable production facility in Enkuizen, the Windmill Clog Factory in Zaandam and Tomatoworld in Honselersdijk.

Sarah Siegle, a rising sophomore and Park Scholar studying agroecology and marine science, participated in the study abroad experience to gain more international experience and visit the hub for sustainable agriculture that is the Netherlands.

“My biggest takeaway from the experience is that large-scale, sustainable agriculture and floriculture are entirely possible and effective,” she said. “Despite the Netherlands’ geographical challenges to agriculture, its agricultural system is highly successful. Their commitment to efficiently using their resources, water and land was evident with their highly innovative greenhouses utilizing geothermal energy and hydroponic systems, their integration of technology and farming and their emphasis on agricultural research.”

The educational experience extended beyond the field. Students visited historic and cultural landmarks, including the Anne Frank House and the Our Lord in the Attic Museum, while also learning about Amsterdam’s rich history and canal system. In Germany, the group traveled to Cologne to tour the iconic “Kölner Dom” (Cologne Cathedral), situated along the Rhine River, deepening their appreciation for European culture.

For Jaleel Hewitt, a recent NC State graduate with a degree in agroecology and a minor in agricultural business management, the trip provided the perfect first study abroad experience.

“I enjoyed seeing all the effort that went into plant breeding in the Netherlands and also seeing all the cultural landmarks, especially the Dom Cathedral in Germany,” he said. ” The experience made me realize how big the world is and that there are so many experiences waiting out there.”

The trip provided a combination of academic enrichment and cultural immersion, equipping CALS students with a broader understanding of agriculture and the interconnected world they will help to feed and sustain. Ellie Jackson, a rising junior studying agricultural science with a minor in agricultural business management, enjoyed the opportunity to see how agricultural businesses operate differently in Europe.

“It was fascinating to compare those systems to what we’re familiar with in the U.S.,” she said. “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study abroad through NC State, and I can’t recommend this experience enough!”

Interested in participating in this study abroad experience next year? Netherlands: Horticulture, Floriculture, Culture and Seeds will be offered again in May 2026. Visit the Pack Abroad Website to learn more.