In the 1960s, missionary work (‘the clergyman’) in developing countries was partially replaced by civil society organizations whose main concern was eradicating poverty, some based on religious affiliation. Alleviating poverty in developing countries was also seen by the Dutch government as essential for long term geopolitical stability and sound Dutch international trade relationships to maintain prosperity in the Netherlands.
Until 1960 Dutch agricultural activities in the tropics were predominantly focused on the (former) Dutch colonies, mainly Indonesia and Surinam. The focus was on production and processing of plantation crops such as sugarcane, rubber, coffee, tea and oil palm for export and on construction of irrigation schemes. Botanical research and establishing botanical gardens for conservation of species and seeds was also undertaken. Selection and breeding of food crops for a more stable and better food base was undertaken at research and breeding stations in the (former) colonies.
Until and after the independence of Surinam in 1975, Dutch and Surinamese agronomists (graduates of Dutch agricultural colleges and Wageningen University) were employed by the Surinamese government at the Ministry of Agriculture research stations and state plantations. They also found employment in (semi) commercial institutions like the sugar, banana, rice, and palm oil production stations. The Foundation for Mechanized Agriculture (Stichting Machinale Landbouw (SML) ) in Nickerie province in Surinam, founded by the Wageningen Agricultural College in 1949, was one of the biggest research and production foundations, focusing on mechanized rice production.
Agricultural development in the Netherlands and abroad was supported by nascent cooperative movements and private sector interests. Agricultural research and training focusing on ‘tropical agriculture’ was promoted through institutions such as the Wageningen College and other Dutch training and research institutions. The research and training efforts focused not only on primary agriculture but also on related topics such as food technology and nutrition. Large numbers of graduates from these institutions were actively involved in technical assistance in developing countries and in international research and policy making institutions.