What Groenpact does

Groenpact is a Dutch network organization founded in 2016 that coordinates the green (agrifood, horticulture, nature, environment) knowledge and education ecosystem across the Netherlands. It operates as a 'Dutch diamond' public-private-people partnership linking the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN), 50+ green education institutes (vmbo, mbo, hbo, and Wageningen University & Research), employer organizations (LTO, branch associations), and civil society groups. The Bureau is managed from Yuverta in Ede and staffed by a small core team (Manager, Communication Advisor, Communication Officer, Management Assistant). The network spans 42+ formal partners and 80+ participating organizations, with international reach through the Netherlands Agricultural Network in over 75 countries.

Groenpact's core products are free, non-commercial knowledge tools rather than software platforms: the Groene Werelden (Green Worlds) eight-sector framework, the Groene Personas lifelong-learning instrument, the Groene Monitor labor-market research series (2020, 2022, 2023, 2025), the Groene Denktank qualitative backcasting initiative, and acceleration programs for Digitalization & Technology (AI, Data Science, Robotics, Sensor Technology) and Internationalization (€15,000 vouchers per project). Educational tools include the Groene Werelden Kwartetspel card game and free AI courses co-developed with NL AIC.

The organization is funded almost entirely by an annual ~€4.2M grant from the Ministry of LVVN, supplemented by in-cash and in-kind contributions from participating organizations. All tools, courses, and reports are provided free of charge; there is no commercial product, no pricing model, and no revenue from end users. The current fourth phase (2026-2029) is operating under an intensified cooperation agenda with a refreshed visual identity.

Name

Groenpact

Legal name

Groenpact

Website

https://groenpact.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Groenpact is a Dutch non-profit network organization founded in 2016 that connects the Ministry of Agriculture, green education institutes (vmbo to Wageningen University), employers, and civil society to align the Dutch green knowledge and education system. It produces free tools, courses, and reports — no commercial products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Green Education Network Coordination

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems & Land Management (BPADALAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Agriculture & Food Security Development (BPAGABAB), Labor, Social Protection & Occupational Safety Standards Cooperation (BPADANAM)

Keywords

• Green education networks
• Agrifood knowledge sharing
• Labor market monitoring
• Workforce development programs
• Sector curriculum innovation

Headquarters

HQ city

Ede / National (Netherlands)

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN) Annual Funding: The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality contributes approximately 4.2 million euros annually to the Groenpact program. This is the primary public funding stream.
2. Participating Organizations Contributions (In-cash and In-kind): Funding is organized based on contributions from participating organizations, proportional to their interest and involvement in realizing specific objectives. Contributions include both in-cash and in-kind contributions from education institutes, businesses, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies.

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Groenpact is a Dutch non-commercial network organization connecting green education institutes, businesses, civil society organizations, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. It operates the 'basisinfrastructuur' (basic infrastructure) of Platform vmbo groen, CIV Groen, CoE Groen, Wageningen University & Research, and Groen Kennisnet, producing free tools (Groene Werelden, Groene Monitor, Groene Denktank, Groene Persona's), acceleration programs (Digitalisering & Technologie, Internationalisering), online AI courses, voucher programs, and labor market intelligence for the Dutch agrifood, horticulture, nature, and environment sector.

Product overview

Groenpact is a network organization that connects education, government, and business in the Dutch green sector (agriculture, food, horticulture, nature, environment). Rather than a unified software product, it offers a portfolio of tools and programs: the Groene Werelden (Green Worlds) framework for visualizing the green sector's breadth, the Groene Monitor for labor market research, the Groene Denktank for qualitative insights, the Groene Persona's tool for employee development, and the AI Cursus voor Agri en Food online course. Additional offerings include the Versnellingsprogramma's for Digitalisering & Technologie and Internationalisering, internationalization vouchers (€15,000 each), educational tools like the Groene Werelden Kwartetspel, and H@P Magazine. These work together to strengthen the Dutch knowledge and innovation system in the green domain through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and talent development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Groene Werelden: Framework showing the broad green domain and its many possibilities, used for career guidance and sector representation
• Groene Denktank
• Groene Monitor
• AI Cursus voor Agri en Food
• Versnellingsprogramma Internationalisering
• Versnellingsprogramma Digitalisering & Technologie
• Groene Persona's

Quantifiable outcome

• Groenpact's network includes 50 Dutch education institutes specifically focused on green education, plus 36 additional vmbo schools in Vereniging Buitengewoon Groen
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Platform vmbo groencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Platform vmbo groen is one of the five elements of the 'basisinfrastructuur' (basic infrastructure) of Groenpact, alongside CIV Groen, CoE Groen, WUR, and Groen Kennisnet. It represents and coordinates green pre-vocational education (vmbo) within the broader network. In phase 4 (2026-2029), the intensified cooperation within this infrastructure is reflected in the new visual identity.
• CIV Groen (Centrum voor Innovatief Vakmanschap Groen)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CIV Groen is one of the five elements of the Groenpact basisinfrastructuur. It focuses on practice-oriented research and innovation at the vocational education level. It includes practice clusters for Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen, Agro, Dier, Food, and Natuur & Leefomgeving. It publishes H@P Magazine annually.
• CoE Groen (Centre of Expertise Green)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CoE Groen is one of the five elements of the Groenpact basisinfrastructuur. It strengthens practice-oriented research and innovation at the higher education/university of applied sciences level. It includes expertise clusters for Plant, Dier (Animal), Food, and Natuur en Leefomgeving.
• Wageningen University & Research (WUR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026WUR is one of the five elements of the Groenpact basisinfrastructuur. It serves as the primary fundamental research institution, facilitating knowledge transfer based on research results. WUR is the only Dutch research university focused specifically on green/teal sciences. Its existing house style is maintained separately from the new shared visual identity.
• Groen KennisnetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Groen Kennisnet is one of the five elements of the Groenpact basisinfrastructuur. It serves as the digital library of Dutch green education, making research results, teaching materials, and innovations broadly accessible for education, business, and professionals. It enables open knowledge sharing across the entire green education ecosystem.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is the primary government funder of Groenpact (~€4.2M annually) and a governance participant. It is represented in the Bestuurlijke Commissie (Administrative Commission) and provides strategic direction for the green knowledge and education system. The Ministry also coordinates the Netherlands Agricultural Network (over 75 countries).
• LTO Nederland (Land- en Tuinbouworganisatie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLTO is the main agricultural employers' organization in the Netherlands. It is represented in the Bestuurlijke Commissie governance body and contributes to the Colland Arbeidsmarkt (labor market) board. LTO works with Groenpact on talent development, workforce planning, and alignment between education and the green labor market.
• FNV (Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFNV is represented on the Colland Arbeidsmarkt board alongside LTO. It contributes the labor/workforce perspective to green sector talent development discussions within the governance structure.
• Regieorganisatie GLB (Gemeenschappelijk Landbouwbeleid)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe managing organization for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the Netherlands. Represented in the Bestuurlijke Commissie governance body.
• Netherlands Agricultural NetworkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerA network of agricultural counselors operating from Dutch embassies and consulates in approximately 80 countries worldwide. Supports Dutch agricultural entrepreneurs, companies, and knowledge institutes interested in doing business abroad. Plays a key role in realizing Groenpact's international ambitions and coordinates MoUs and country/regional network sessions.
• YuvertacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 9 green MBO institutions participating in Groenpact. Acts as the host organization (penvoerder) for the Groenpact Bureau, providing management and administrative infrastructure. Active in internationalization projects (Morocco, Jordan, Kentucky, France) and the Digitalization & Technology acceleration program. AI Officer Ingolf van Doorn is kartrekker (lead) within the acceleration program.
• Aeres (MBO, Hogeschool, and Bestuur)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAeres is a comprehensive green education institution (MBO, HBO, and research). Rien Komen is bestuursvoorzitter (chair of the board) of Aeres and chair of the 'Groene Tafel' (Green Table) — the governance table of education and knowledge institutions in Groenpact. Aeres MBO in Barneveld hosted the 'Natuur aan Tafel' (Nature at the Table) meeting. Eke Boesten is manager of the Groenpact Bureau and netwerkleider (network leader) for education and knowledge institutions.
• Dutch AI Coalition (NL AIC) and NLAIC werkgroep AgroFoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch AI Coalition is a national AI initiative that accelerates AI development and connects AI initiatives in the Netherlands. The AgroFood working group within NL AIC collaborated with Groenpact to develop the Docententraining AI & AgriFood and the AI course for AgriFood sector. Also involves AI-Hub Noord en Oost Nederland.
• CIV Groen Praktijkcluster Food (H@P Magazine)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Food Practice Cluster within CIV Groen produces the annual H@P Magazine, a publication featuring articles on food sector professionals, innovation, and HR/training. This extends Groenpact's reach in the food sector.
• Centre for Sustainability (TU Delft)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in the Morocco internationalization project alongside Hogeschool InHolland and Lentiz, contributing expertise on sustainability in the context of Dutch-Maroccan greenhouse horticulture cooperation.
• University of IAV Hassan II (Agadir, Morocco)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoroccan university partner in the greenhouse horticulture cooperation project. Hogeschool InHolland and partners are exploring how to contribute to improving horticulture education at this university, particularly in management skills.
• Center of Excellence for Agri-food Educational Resources and Sustainable Development (Agri Edu CoE, Romania)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Center of Excellence established in Romania with Dutch private agrifood sector support, to participate in European tenders and advance agricultural education reform in Romania. Set up with support from Dutch companies active in Romania and the Romanian government.
• ImagrominorOthersStrategic creative agency that developed the Groene Personas and the Groene Werelden framework. Translates Groenpact's conceptual frameworks into practical tools for specific branches and organizations. Contact: Fabiënne van Grunsven.
• Uitgeverij De Groene WereldminorOthersPublisher of educational materials for green education that collaborated with Groenpact to develop and distribute the Groene Werelden Kwartetspel (card game) for free to all green vmbo schools in the Netherlands.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Topsector Agri & Food: Dutch government-backed top sector for agri-food innovation, research, and human capital. Overlaps significantly with Groenpact's scope on agri-food workforce and knowledge development, but operates as a broader innovation policy umbrella rather than a focused education-network coordinator.

Direct peers

• Foodvalley NL: Dutch network/ecosystem connecting companies, research institutes, and government in food innovation and sustainability. Comparable in network-driven approach and Dutch public-private model, but centered on food innovation rather than education-workforce alignment.
• Stichting Katapult: Dutch public-private network (overheid-bedrijfsleven-onderwijs) focused on aligning vocational education (mbo) with regional labor market needs. Highly comparable to Groenpact's diamond model and mbo/hbo coordination role, though operating sector-wide rather than specifically in green/agrifood.
• Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA): Dutch research center at Maastricht University providing labor-market intelligence and education-workforce research. Comparable in producing authoritative labor-market data and analysis (akin to Groenpact's Groene Monitor), but operates as a research institute rather than a coordinating network.
• Platform Bèta Techniek: Dutch public-private partnership aimed at strengthening technical and STEM education by connecting schools, businesses, and government. Mirrors Groenpact's multi-stakeholder coordination model and free tools/frameworks approach, but targets the technical/STEM domain rather than the green/agrifood sector.

Emerging players

• Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo: Dutch innovation campus focused on sustainable agriculture and food in the Limburg region. Overlaps with Groenpact's agrifood-education alignment theme but operates as a regional campus rather than a national coordinating network.
• World Horti Centre: Dutch knowledge and innovation hub in horticulture, connecting education, research, and business. Comparable in connecting green-education stakeholders but with a narrower focus on horticulture and a more physical/campus-based delivery model.

Others

• Wageningen University & Research (WUR): Netherlands' premier green/agricultural research university and a core basisinfrastructuur partner of Groenpact. Although a partner rather than competitor, WUR is the most influential Dutch institution in green knowledge — any comparison of the Dutch green knowledge ecosystem must include it.
• Dutch AI Coalition (NL AIC): National Dutch AI initiative that collaborates with Groenpact on the AI courses for AgriFood and teacher training. Functions as a partner organization on AI capability building rather than a peer in green-education coordination.
• Centre of Expertise Green (CoE Groen): Sister organization and core basisinfrastructuur element of Groenpact, focused on practice-oriented research and innovation at HBO level. Functions as a partner/enabler within Groenpact's network rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/groenpact
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/groenpact1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Groenpact