Dairy sector consoli­dates expertise for market access and exports

The Dutch dairy sector is consolidating its expertise in veterinary market access and exports at the Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO). As of July 1, the organization will take over these responsibilities. With this move, the sector aims to further strengthen its international export position.

Expertise consolidated at NZO

As of July 1, VNFKD, NGZO, Gemzu, and NZO will transfer the veterinary market access and export portfolio to NZO. Until now, this portfolio was managed by ZuivelNL.

The new structure provides more room for targeted advocacy to maximize the value of dairy products. It also addresses the growing complexity of international market access. Technical agreements alone are no longer enough. Coordinated efforts involving ministries, regulatory authorities, and diplomatic contacts are equally important. It also enables faster action during crises and exceptional situations.

"International market access for Dutch dairy requires close cooperation between government and the sector. This new structure strengthens our ability to act by bringing expertise together and creating a single, clear point of contact within the dairy sector for market access to third countries. That is essential for responding quickly and carefully in an increasingly complex international landscape," said Tamara van Riet, Acting Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Veterinary Market Access at the Ministry of LVVN.

Joint governance

According to NZO Director Elzo Kannekens, market access is part of everyday business for dairy companies. "Market access is an everyday reality for our companies. It is an essential part of creating value from our raw milk throughout the supply chain. Producers as well as trading and export companies active in international dairy markets all benefit from it."

He continued: "Especially when things become more complex—whether entering new markets or dealing with changing requirements—you need to be able to act quickly, consistently, and with authority. By placing this responsibility with NZO, we are bringing together expertise and advocacy."

NZO will carry out the portfolio on behalf of VNFKD, NGZO, Gemzu, and NZO. The Dairy Market Access Steering Committee will remain involved in setting priorities and providing direction on behalf of the participating sector organizations. The existing expertise will be retained and further strengthened within NZO.

Nzo.nl