Business Plan Contest

Who has the most original, sustainable and practicable idea to get rid of poverty in the world? This question was the starting point of the Agriterra Contest for Innovation in Rural Development. Everybody who had a good idea that can contribute to the development of rural areas as well as the rural population in developing countries was invited to convert that idea into a business plan and to submit that plan.
Many people have seized this opportunity with both hands. Meanwhile the final date to introduce proposals has elapsed and we have received more than forty plans. From Vietnam to Bolivia and from Romania to Madagascar: we have received plans from all over the world.

A jury, consisting of farmers' organisations leaders from developing countries and experts in the field of rural development, will select the five best proposals. They will among other things pay attention to originality, practicability and the degree to which farmers are actively involved in the initiative. These five best plans will receive coaching, in which the proposals will be further developed with the support of advisors.

On 27 June, during the first day of the anniversary celebration of Agriterra at the National Cattle Manifestation in Utrecht, the final prize winner will be proclaimed. He or she will receive an amount of € 40,000 to carry out his or her idea. The numbers two and three on the list will not have to leave with empty hands either, since they will receive € 25,000 and € 10,000 to spend on their projects. The prizes will be awarded by Agnes van Ardenne (former Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation).