Dutch Government Allocates €30 Million for Livestock Sustainability
The Hague, Friday, 11 July 2025.
The Dutch government has earmarked €30 million to support livestock farmers in transitioning towards sustainable practices, enhancing environmental stewardship and combating climate change in agriculture.
Supporting Livestock Farmers for Climate Goals
On 10 July 2025, the Dutch government, under the Ministry of Agriculture, announced a significant financial measure aimed at reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming. The initiative, allocated a budget of €30 million, is part of the ‘Regeling provinciale gebiedsgerichte beëindiging veehouderijlocaties’ (Rpgb), which encourages provinces to develop subsidy schemes for farmers who volunteer to reduce or cease their livestock operations [1].
Scope of the Subsidy
This funding, an addition to previous budgets of €110 million, raises the total investment to €140 million. It enables provincial authorities to open schemes tailored to specific geographic areas, such as peatland regions, brook valleys, and transition areas in or around Natura 2000 sites. These targeted schemes reflect the need for specialized approaches in different landscapes across the Netherlands [1].
Aligning with Environmental Policies
The €30 million funding is aligned with broader national and international environmental objectives, including reducing ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM10) emissions linked with livestock farming [2]. Livestock dense areas particularly contribute to these emissions, causing health and biodiversity concerns [3]. By promoting lower emissions and enhanced sustainability in farming practices, this initiative supports the Netherlands’ climate goals and regulatory frameworks, such as the European Emission Trading System (ETS) [4].
A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture
Minister Piet Adema underscored the importance of this initiative in transforming the agricultural sector into a more environmentally sustainable industry. This funding serves as a pivotal tool for farmers aiming to minimize their environmental footprint and adapt to ecological farming practices. The initiative’s timing, ahead of the 6 October 2025 to 14 November 2025 application window, positions it as a proactive response to climate challenges, promoting long-term sustainability in the Dutch agricultural landscape [1][2].