Netherlands Secures €165 Million EU Funds for Green Fruit Sector Initiatives
The Hague, Friday, 28 February 2025.
The Netherlands has obtained €165 million from the EU to support 11 producer organizations in implementing sustainable practices, enhancing the fruit and vegetable sector’s environmental impact and resilience.
Comprehensive Green Investment Program
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has approved programs for 11 producer organizations in the fruit and vegetable sector, with the European Union providing €165 million in subsidies. The sector itself will contribute an additional €79 million to accelerate sustainable transformation [1]. This funding is part of the Sectoral Intervention Fruit and Vegetables (SIG&F) 2025 program, which operates under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework [1][7].
Sustainable Technology Implementation
The approved programs focus on multiple sustainability initiatives, including energy conservation and sustainable energy generation and storage. Key technological implementations include LED lighting systems to replace conventional lighting, energy-efficient cooling systems, solar panels, geothermal energy utilization, and heat pump installations [1]. These innovations align with the EU’s broader rural development goals and the European Green Deal objectives [7].
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
A significant portion of the funding will support the development and cultivation of new products and varieties specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and climate change impacts [1]. The producer organizations will invest in research and development of improved cultivation methods, diverse crop varieties, and innovative technologies to enhance the sector’s resilience [1].
Strategic Objectives and Future Impact
The SIG&F program targets four primary objectives: maintaining high-quality agricultural and horticultural standards, improving climate conditions, enhancing water quality, and ensuring healthy and accessible food supplies [1]. This initiative represents a significant step in the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainable agriculture, supporting the country’s position as a leader in innovative farming practices [GPT].