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The Dutch government 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 minimize nitrogen emissions or relocating farms.
The call for these grants will be available starting in October 2024, with a total fund of 165 million euros. A voluntary closure scheme for smaller sectors is also expected to be published by the end of September.
Innovation
Farms that raise dairy cattle, pigs, or beef calves and belong to the group of farms with the highest emissions burden are eligible for this 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 euros.
Relocation
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 program, EUR 105 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 euros per square meter.
- Modernization of facilities at the new location, with 65% coverage (up to a maximum of 100,000 euros), 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 euros.
September 4, 2024/ Netherlands Government/ The Netherlands.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl
