1980- 2000 Involving the private sector and knowledge institutions

Although the emphasis of Dutch development assistance (using ODA funds) on agriculture was reduced drastically, direct Dutch contributions to agriculture and agro-related enterprises in developing countries continued. This was partly due to the prominent position of agriculture in the Dutch business and knowledge institutions and the existing relations with countries within the LDC-group. Moreover, some international cooperation instruments and programs were specifically geared toward increasing collaboration between farmers and companies and knowledge institutions in the Netherlands with counterparts in LDCs on the condition that the development objectives prevailed. There were, however, still some serious concerns about issues such as the Dutch export of milk powder and other processed products to LDCs, competing with local farmers and companies.