September 26, 2024

 

Grants by Netherlands to help crop, livestock farmers who relocate to cut nitrogen pollution

 

 

The government of the Netherlands has launched new grants for crop and livestock farmers who wish to innovate or relocate to reduce nitrogen pollution in Natura 2000 areas.

 

The initiatives include improving techniques on farms to minimise nitrogen emissions or relocating farms. The call for these grants will be available starting in October 2024, with a total fund of €165 million (US$183 million). A voluntary closure scheme for smaller sectors is also expected to be published by the end of September.

 

Farms that raise dairy cattle, pigs, or beef calves and belong to the group of farms with the highest emissions burden are eligible for the innovation grant. These companies can invest in proven technologies that significantly reduce nitrogen emissions. One of the key conditions for applying is that the number of animals on the farm does not increase over the next five years.

 

The subsidy scheme will be open from October 21, 2024, with an amount of €60 million (US$67 million).

 

The voluntary relocation scheme allows farms, especially those near vulnerable areas, to move to locations with less environmental impact. The new location can also be in another country within the European Union. For this relocation programme, €105 million (US$117 million) in available funds have been allocated.

 

The business relocation grant is designed to cover the costs associated with relocating the farm or business, and covers:

 

    - Complete relocation of buildings, facilities, and animals to the new location (100% coverage);

 

    - Acquisition or construction of new buildings at the new location, including legal expenses such as notary fees (up to 100%);

 

    - Demolition of buildings at the old location, with 100% coverage, up to a maximum of €45 (US$49.98) per square meter;

 

    - Modernisation of facilities at the new location, with 65% coverage (up to a maximum of €100,000, or US$111,061), or 80% if young farmers are involved;

 

    - Hiring of independent experts, such as real estate agents, business advisors, or architects, with 95% coverage, up to a maximum of €25,000 (US$27,765).

 

- Netherlands Government