Exports by the Dutch agriculture sector reached a record €85bn last year, making it  the second-largest exporter of farm products in the world, economic affairs ministry said on Friday.

The export of technology and equipment also rose to €9bn, the ministry said.

The Netherlands has overcome the effect of the Russian boycott by entering new markets, junior economic affairs minister Martijn van Dam is quoted as saying by broadcaster NOS. ‘Export are not simply growing, they are growing strongly. The economy in general is performing better, but an increase of 4.4% really is very substantial.’

‘We are not only profiting from the international economic improvements. We are also showing that we are good at creating opportunities,’ he said. ‘Pears are going to Vietnam, Indonesia buys our onions and peppers go to China. These new markets are a good alternative to Russia.’

Germany is the most important customer, accounting for a quarter of the exports. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, meat and dairy products are sold mainly within Europe. Exports of flowers and plants, followed by meat and dairy products, go mainly to the rest of the world.