Despite its small size, the Netherlands is one of the world's three largest exporters of agricultural produce. Eighty percent of Dutch agricultural exports go to other EU member states.
The main branches of Dutch agriculture are dairy farming and market gardening (its main products being flowers, fruit, and trees). Arable farming (mainly grain, potatoes, and sugar beet) has expanded rapidly in recent years. The success of Dutch agriculture is largely due to high-quality training, first-class research, and an effective system of disseminating practical advice to farmers. The agricultural industry employs around 3.7% of the Dutch workforce and accounts for 2.6% of the country's GDP.
