Work in the food and agritech industry in Amsterdam

Updated 13 January 2026 at 15:07

The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world – in 2023, exports were worth nearly €124 billion – and more recently, it has become a frontrunner in sustainability and agritech advances. The Amsterdam Area plays a central role in future-proofing the food industry with innovations such as precision farming, alternative proteins and short-chain solutions, making it an exciting and promising field to work in.

Crucial innovation in Amsterdam’s food industry

Globally, the food industry is facing the challenge of feeding a growing world without harming the planet. Food sustainability and food security are fundamental to this challenge. New agritech can provide some of the solutions needed – and, benefitting from the region’s expertise in agriculture, Amsterdam is at the centre of purpose-driven innovations in food and agritech.

Employers in the food industry

As the capital of one the world’s major exporters of agricultural produce, Amsterdam plays a significant role in the European food industry. The region is home to an extensive network of wholesale markets and distribution networks, as well as major companies such as US agro-industrial company Cargill, which has its European headquarters in the Amsterdam Area. AAK, which has a production site in the Amsterdam Area, also runs a centre of excellence for plant-based food innovation in the region. Other important players of the ecosystem include:

Work opportunities in the field: innovators and startups

Amsterdam is a natural home for innovative food companies working in a wide range of fields such as the protein transition, agritech and tackling food waste. As the first EU capital to sign the global Plant Based Treaty, Amsterdam is leading the way in the transition to a more plant-based diet, and businesses such as Snack with Benefits and Favamole are among the many frontrunners based in the city. Amsterdam-based vertical farming pioneer Growy offers affordable and sustainable micro-greens, and Taste Before You Waste and Too Good to Go tackle food waste.

Career opportunities and roles in the sector

There is a wide range of roles and sought-after skills across the food and agritech industry in the Amsterdam Area, from tech and software skills to expertise in controlled-environment farming, hydroponics and bio science. International professionals can access career opportunities in the field through platforms such as the I amsterdam Job Search, where you can filter for vacancies for non-Dutch speakers, IamExpat, which lists jobs for internationals in Amsterdam by recruiters and international companies, and Welcome to NL, a job board that lists jobs for internationals in the Netherlands.

Education and research

Amsterdam’s two research universities, the Vrije Universiteit and the University of Amsterdam (UvA), are involved in research in green life sciences, world food studies and other food and agritech-related fields. The region’s well-connected ecosystem facilitates public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration: for example, the UvA works with the AMS Institute on a vertical farming project, and the Vrije Universiteit is part of the €10-million CropMix research project. The UvA also runs SEVEN, an interdisciplinary climate institute bringing together all seven faculties of the university to work on fair climate solutions, including the food and protein transition. Other hubs where business meets research are the Amsterdam Green Campus and Amsterdam Science Park. Wageningen University, a global leader in agrifood research, is one hour from the Dutch capital and the various institutions often lead joint research projects.

International community and quality of life

The Amsterdam Area is a sought-after destination for talented professionals from around the world. It’s a truly international city with a great quality of life, and sustainability and innovation are at the heart of its business ecosystem.

Key facts & highlights

Top 5 in Europe for agritech: the Netherlands ranks in the top 5 in Europe for investments in agrifood and agritech
The Netherlands is #1 in agri-food R&D investment: foodtech remains a high-growth sector, increasing at an annual growth rate of 27% since April 2021
First EU capital to endorse the Plant Based Treaty: Mmsterdam is the first EU capital to sign the global Plant Based Treaty, leading the way in the transition to a more plant-based diet
Cutting food waste by 50% by 2030: the City of Amsterdam’s Food Strategy (2023-2026) aims to improve access to healthy, sustainable food cut food waste, promote plant-based foods and ensure fair prices for locally sourced products.