Dutch Multifunctional Agriculture Revenue Surges to €1.6 Billion
Utrecht, Monday, 24 February 2025.
The Netherlands’ multifunctional agriculture sector has grown significantly, generating €1.6 billion, due to innovative practices blending traditional farming with sustainable methods, enhancing economic and ecological value.
A Growing Agritech Success
This news story represents a significant agritech development, where Dutch farmers have successfully diversified their operations beyond traditional farming. The sector witnessed a remarkable 60% increase in revenue between 2020 and 2023, rising from €1 billion to €1.6 billion [1]. Of this total, €362 million was generated specifically from recreational activities [1], demonstrating the sector’s successful integration of multiple revenue streams.
Diverse Revenue Streams
Multifunctional agriculture (MFL) encompasses various innovative business models, including care farms, camping facilities, and farm shops [1]. According to Bart Pijnenburg, chairman of LTO’s Multifunctional Agriculture group, the sector is responding effectively to growing societal demands for green spaces, authentic experiences, and direct contact with agricultural operations [3]. This approach allows farmers to combine traditional agricultural practices with new revenue-generating activities while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Regulatory Framework and Future Growth
Despite its success, the sector faces challenges in spatial planning and regulatory compliance [3]. Agricultural entrepreneurs often invest considerable time and resources seeking plan approvals from municipalities [3]. To address these challenges, there are calls for the national government to provide clearer guidelines and establish dedicated investment facilities [3]. The province of Overijssel is taking proactive steps by developing a new agricultural vision that will be presented to Provincial States on March 12, 2025, which includes specific provisions for multifunctional agriculture [4].
Economic and Social Impact
The latest data from 2023 shows even stronger growth, with total revenue reaching €1.68 billion [5]. This expansion demonstrates the sector’s vital role in both rural economic development and meeting urban populations’ growing demand for agricultural experiences. The success of multifunctional agriculture in the Netherlands serves as a model for sustainable agricultural innovation, combining economic viability with ecological responsibility [3][5].