Friesland Secures €150 Million for Rural Development Projects
The Dutch province of Friesland will receive €150 million to support agriculture, water management, climate action, and nature conservation efforts.
Comprehensive Allocation for Multiple Sectors
This significant funding will be allocated across several critical sectors, including agriculture, water management, climate action, wetlands, nature conservation, and nitrogen reduction. This initiative is part of a broader national effort, with the Dutch government earmarking a total of €1.54 billion for rural development across the country. Friesland’s share of €150 million is based on the province’s detailed proposal for various measures aimed at achieving these goals.
Breakdown of Funding Utilization
The funding will be divided into several key areas. Agriculture and socio-economic measures will receive €61.6 million, which will be used to extend the Northern Investment Scheme for Nitrogen Emission Reduction. This includes both management adjustments and technological innovations on farms. The measures will also include monitoring and evaluation to speed up progress generically and regionally.
Climate and Wetland Initiatives
A significant portion of the funding, €46.6 million, is earmarked for climate and wetland initiatives. These initiatives include interventions in the water system to reduce both soil subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions, such as rewetting peatlands and creating a robust, climate-resilient water system. Additionally, this funding will support the optimization of meadow bird habitats and the transformation of agricultural land into natural areas.
Nature Conservation and Process Costs
For nature conservation, €43 million is allocated for implementing the forest strategy, developing knowledge, and improving the maintenance and enhancement of meadow bird areas. This includes process and organizational costs for area-based processes and functional changes from agriculture to nature.
Implementation Timeline and Future Prospects
Friesland will formally apply for the allocated funds, with the expectation that the money will be available in the fourth quarter of 2024. This will enable the province to collaborate with local communities and other government bodies to prepare concrete plans. Additionally, there is a possibility of securing an extra €30 million later this year, pending approval from the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives.
Supporting Sustainability in Dairy Farming
In a related development, FrieslandCampina, a major dairy cooperative based in the Netherlands, has awarded its member dairy farmers over €245 million in premiums for their sustainability efforts in 2023. The cooperative’s Foqus planet Sustainable Development program rewards farmers based on nine sustainability indicators, with a strong emphasis on climate initiatives. This program not only provides financial incentives but also supports farmers with climate workshops and innovative tools to enhance sustainability performance.