Through the following funds and programs, we help entrepreneurs with advice and financing. But with this we can also strengthen the sectors in Limburg. Would you like to know more? Give us a call. We will gladly help you.
LIOF is the regional development company of the Province of Limburg. We ensure the strengthening of the economic structure and thus the growth of Limburg.
60 committed LIOF colleagues help your company grow with advice, a solid network and financing, to strive for a smarter, more durable and healthy Limburg.
Welcome to the Netherlands, welcome to Limburg
Our world is changing
We live in a global economy where physical borders are mere formalities. Doing business with and gathering information online from all parts of the globe is common practice. Our world is a giant network of opportunities on all continents and in all countries. Cultural and time differences have created a 24/7 economy with a global reach.
At the same time we all face large societal challenges like creating a society that is smarter, more sustainable, and healthier. That's why LIOF initiated 'Missie Limburg'.
Limburg as a highly globalised European nexus
Limburg has a lot to offer. More than is commonly known. Limburg has a highly distinctive character. The social and economic trends that have affected the province the last decades have generated a process of change and renewal which has enabled Limburg to transform its national peripheral location into a highly globalised European nexus.
Learn more about the big three, crossovers, the Limburg ecosystem and our focus on four transitions: energy, circularity, health and digitalization.
Manufacturing industry in Limburg
More and more the south-eastern part of The Netherlands, of which Limburg is a part, is transforming to the national epic industrial center. Developing products applied on a global scale providing solutions for global challenges.
AgriFood in Limburg
For decades the Limburg region has been a leading ‘cultivating’ region in the Netherlands. Strategically located near the German and Belgian borders with a huge market / hinterland.
Logistics in Limburg
To get the right products to the right place, at the right time, in the right quality and quantity, logistics are essential. With its strategic location and infrastructure, its multimodality and decades of experience and knowledge in logistics and logistical concepts, our province has a staggering amount of over 100 European distribution centers and is still growing.
Focus on the crossovers
When looking at the actual strengths of Limburg, you soon realise that these sectors are not detached silos but very connected. In this region of the world, we know how to breed, grow, cultivate, harvest, process, package and distribute fresh food. How to deliver excellent quality and quantities at the right place at the right time.
AgriFood supply chain
Limburg is truly the ‘full service AgriFood province’
• Breeders
• Growers & Propagators
• Processors
• Tech
• Distribution
• Retailer and Consumers.
Crossovers
For the advancement of international trade we will focus on the two crossovers between our three main sectors. ‘Agritech’ and ‘Fresh logistics’. Both are firmly represented in our province. Agritech represents all companies that are enablers of the primary and processing sector.
The Limburg ecosystem
Huge challenges
The global population is growing. We have a challenge to produce even more food than we do today. At the same time trends and habits are shifting. The demand for different food types is changing: high quality protein, rich food such as vegetables, dairy and meat. Yet, contrary to this, a growing population suffers from food-related health problems (obesity, diabetes). A growing number of consumers is choosing a healthy alternative.
Lowest footprint
The Dutch AgriFood sector prides itself in having the lowest environmental footprint per kilo of food compared to all other countries. This also relates to climate and biodiversity. Yet again, we can do so much more. We’re heavily focused on developing climate-neutral, robust production facilities that are fully recyclable.
Heart of Europe
The Limburg Ecosystem is a perfect addition to other regions in the Netherlands. The food production hotspot ‘westland’. The agri academic hotspot in Wageningen. The Port of Rotterdam and the high-tech industry in the Brainport Eindhoven region. Limburg, with its dynamic campuses and rich history in agriculture and logistics, create a mix of ingredients that is hard to ignore.
• Our location is key in the historic development
• We are at the heart of Europe
• Our central position between Rotterdam, Antwerp and the European hinterland makes Limburg a top notch logistics hotspot.
International business climate
• An open culture with an international mindset
• Vibrant cosmopolitan community combining business and creativity
• Excellent quality of life and relatively low cost of living
• Vast majority of the population is multilingual.
Brightlands campuses
There are four campuses in Limburg with their own focus area. Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo is working on healthy AgriFood for people and environment. On regional, national and global basis.
Triple helix
The ‘triple helix’ with academia, industry and government creates a steady flow of new ideas, innovations, jobs and investments.
Food for Thought
The story behind the Dutch strawberry
The first strawberries in Japan can be traced back to strains bred in the Netherlands about 200 years ago. Still today the Dutch strawberry is a delicacy in Japan. A flawless, premium gift carefully packaged waiting to be enjoyed!
Read all about the Dutch strawberry, bred, grown, processed and transported to you by Limburg, the tastiest province in The Netherlands.
Throughout history, Limburg always had a significant high level of knowledge when it comes to breeding and growing cucumbers. The climate, mentality and entrepreneurial spirit of our growers has led to collaboration and innovation. Also, the location of Limburg to internal and external markets is key. With a reach of 170,000,000 people in a 500 km radius.
Moving together towards a smarter, more sustainable, and healthier Limburg.
The world is changing at a rapid pace. We all face large societal challenges like creating a society that is smarter, more sustainable, and healthier. All this is happening in the context of the environmental pressure on our planet, the increasing scarcity of resources and growing influence of technology.
LIOF wants to take the lead in this 'Mission Limburg'. But we cannot do it alone: we need entrepreneurs and partners to make this happen. On this mission we focus on four transitions: energy, circularity, health and digitalization. Where do you stand in these transitions? Tell us what you're doing so that we can use our core instruments of advice, network and funding to take steps towards realizing social impact and economic return. Together on the way to a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg.
