The Netherlands is proud of its rich agricultural heritage and tradition. Until about a century ago, rural tradition played a dominant role. Two-thirds of its domestic economy depended on agriculture. Although growing industrialisation and urbanisation has reduced this dependence, the importance of the agricultural sector, seen both in a national and in a European perspective, has not diminished.

As a result of natural growth and increasing industrialisation during the second half of the 19th century, agricultural trade activities became more complex. Traders and importers alike felt the need for mutual and more elaborate qualitative and quantitative trade agreements. The demand for more uniformity in the grain trade finally resulted in the formation of the Royal Dutch Grain and Feed Trade Association in 1872.

From then on, the Rotterdam grain trade - and later the Dutch grain trade as a whole - was able to distinctly profile the fast-growing world market.
In 1972, on the occasion of its centenary, Het Comité was awarded its present "Royal" prefix and then registered as a Royal Association at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rotterdam and the Lower Maas.
Within the framework of its 125th anniversary in 1997, Het Comité's former President Mr. K.K. Vervelde, released a publication on the history of Het Comité titled "De Rotterdamse graanhandel bemonsterd en gewogen, 125 years Royal Dutch Grain and Feed Trade Association".

Presently, Het Comité represents the interests of approximately 205 members active in the agri-business. Members contribute to various fields of the animal feed, feed-ingredient and other associated industries such as production of pulses, seeds, wheat, barley, starch and isoglucose.
Membership composition includes: traders, producers, crushers, collectors, brokers, distributors and retailers.

Enhancing its primary objectives, i.e. promoting of interests and supplying information, Het Comité also supervises national and global standard contracts, settles pending conflicts before an arbitration board and determines day values.

Het Comité is considered to be an advisory body in agricultural and trade policy matters carrying national and global weight. Quality control, environmental issues and animal feed legislation are areas, which demand special attention.

For more efficiency and effectiveness, Het Comité merged with the Vereniging Amsterdamse Graanhandel (VAG) in 2000.
In 2001 Het Comité further merged with the Federatie van Nederlandse Handelaren in Granen, Zaden en Peulvruchten (Federatie G.Z.P.).

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