North Jeolla Province, Dutch Embassy sign MOU on alternative proteins

Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet, center, poses with North Jeolla Gov. Kim Kwan-young, third from left, along with other government officials at the North Jeolla Provincial Government Office, Tuesday. Courtesy of North Jeolla Provincial Government Office

By Kim Hyun-bin

• Published Apr 16, 2025 3:05 PM KST

North Jeolla Province signed a memorandum of understanding with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Seoul on Tuesday to collaborate on developing alternative proteins, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the growing food-tech sector.

The agreement was signed at the North Jeolla provincial government office during Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet’s first official visit to the province since assuming his post.

Under the agreement, the two sides will conduct a joint analysis of the alternative protein industry, promote exchanges between delegations, foster partnerships between companies and research institutes and explore joint participation in “Horizon Europe” — the European Union’s largest multinational research and innovation program.

Alternative proteins, derived from sources such as soy, wheat and yeast, are considered a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by conventional meat production.

Provincial officials expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a catalyst for increased technology exchange and collaborative research between the two countries in the alternative protein field.

“Given that the Netherlands is a global leader in food tech and biotech and was the top EU investor in Korea last year, it is a trustworthy and strategic partner,” North Jeolla Gov. Kim Kwan-young said. “We aim to expand our cooperation so that North Jeolla can become Asia’s leading hub for food-tech innovation.”