Dutch Farmers Receive Three-Year Extension for Innovation Subsidy
The Hague, Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
The Dutch government has extended the innovation subsidy for sustainable farming practices by three years, providing farmers more time to implement eco-friendly livestock and barn systems.
Extension Announcement and Context
Dutch Minister of Agriculture Femke Wiersma has announced a three-year extension for the innovation module of the subsidy focused on source-oriented sustainability in barn and management measures (Sbv) [1]. This decision provides farmers with a total of up to ten years to complete their projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture [1].
Rationale Behind the Extension
The extension comes as a response to delays in the issuance of permits, which have hindered farmers’ ability to progress with their projects. Minister Wiersma highlighted the importance of practical testing of innovative, low-emission barn technologies and acknowledged that farmers could not anticipate these bureaucratic delays [1]. The delays were partly attributed to a ruling by the Council of State at the end of 2024, which impacted internal balancing regulations [1].
Current Status of the Innovation Module
Since the introduction of the innovation module in 2020, a total of 61 subsidies have been granted; however, the majority remain in the preliminary phase. Only five farmers have progressed to the emissions measurement phase, and just one has completed both phases [1]. This data underscores the challenges faced by farmers in advancing through the stages of the subsidy program.
Financial Support for Peak Polluters
In addition to the innovation module, the Sbv includes an investment module aimed at reducing particulate matter in poultry farming and supporting peak polluters. As part of this initiative, €12.3 million has been allocated, with 28 out of 36 applications approved, including those from various livestock sectors such as pigs, dairy, and veal calves [1].