In spite of industrialisation and urbanisation, agriculture is still an important part of the Dutch economic landscape. The importance of export is high, especially for vegetables, flowers, meat and dairy products. This results from a development over 150 years in which agricultural conditions have changed from the so-called "von Thünen system" to highly efficient industrial production and distribution methods based on capital input, modern transport systems and lowering economic barriers (duties, import restrictions) in the EU. Today, factors like agglomeration advantages, specific skills and research institutions are particularly relevant, especially in horticulture. The regional structure of agricultural specialisation also depends on soil conditions, geomorphology and traditional farm sizes. Now and in the future, environmental problems like groundwater pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases are of high importance. Reflecting the political discussion and reacting to the declining number of farms and employees, organic farming and renewable energy generation seem to be suitable ways to manage structural change in the primary sector.