Dutch Minister Launches National Innovation Portal for Livestock Farming
The Hague, Friday, 5 December 2025.
Minister Femke Wiersma inaugurated a new portal to support sustainable innovations in livestock farming, aiming to reduce emissions and improve environmental practices in response to climate change.
Introduction of the National Innovation Portal
On 4 December 2025, Femke Wiersma, the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, inaugurated the National Innovation Portal for Livestock Farming. This initiative was launched during the Knowledge Day on Targeted Steering in Agriculture, aiming to foster sustainable innovation in the livestock sector. The portal is designed to support farmers and researchers in developing solutions that reduce emissions of nitrogen, particulates, and greenhouse gases, thereby aligning with national and international environmental goals [1][5].
A Collaborative Effort
The National Innovation Portal is the result of collaboration between over 25 public and private organizations, forming the Regieorgaan Versnellen Innovatie Emissiereductie Duurzame Veehouderij. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of public-private partnerships in tackling environmental challenges within the agricultural sector. The portal facilitates an exchange of knowledge and resources, enabling farmers to implement innovative practices more effectively [1].
Meeting Climate Challenges
The portal’s primary objective is to address pressing climate challenges by promoting technologies that enhance animal welfare and minimize environmental impacts. By providing a platform for sharing best practices and innovative technologies, the portal aims to shift the agricultural sector from reactive to proactive environmental management. This shift is crucial for achieving the Dutch government’s long-term sustainability targets [5][7].
Future Prospects and Evaluations
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the National Innovation Portal will be evaluated in 2026. This evaluation will consider the portal’s role in enhancing sustainable practices and its impact on emission reductions within the livestock sector. The government remains committed to adapting strategies based on these evaluations to ensure continuous improvement in environmental sustainability [5].