Agriculture is high on the international development agenda once again. This is illustrated by the theme of the 2008 World Bank Development Report: Agriculture for Development. Rural business development is crucial in order to reach the Millennium Development Goals.

In June 2007 SNV signed an agreement with Agriterra to co-operate in support of producer organisations in developing countries. Agriterra is the Dutch agri-agency, in this case supported by the two Dutch farmers unions, four rural women’s organisations and the cooperative Dutch agri-business. Agriterra provides financial support and advisory services to membership based rural organisations and farmer-led enterprises in the developing world. Both SNV and Agriterra focus on strengthening producer organisations to support farmers in becoming better entrepreneurs and gaining better market access. With their alliance, SNV and Agriterra want to succeed and maximise their impact.

The Netherlands, as one of the key players in agrofood in the world, contributes to development through agriculture. Important ways to achieve this are by means of public-private partnerships, the creation of sustainable food chains and the enhancement of rural entrepreneurship. With the support of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality the complementary roles of the Dutch government, civil society and companies are discussed and strengthened. These discussions are facilitated by Agri-ProFocus, a partnership of 21 donor agencies, credit institutions, development organisations, training institutes and knowledge institutions. Both SNV and Agriterra are active members of Agri-ProFocus.