The Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Carola Schouten, intends to provide a total of 175 million euros (CHF 190 million) over the next three years to finance a conversion program for more sustainable agriculture.
As the head of department explained in a letter to the Second Chamber of the Hague Parliament on November 18, 2020, this is primarily intended to finance measures to reduce agricultural nitrogen emissions. In addition, emissions from the soil, water and air – including through greenhouse gases – are to be contained. It is also about increasing biodiversity, improving soil quality, recycling raw materials from waste, reducing the use of external inputs and improving animal welfare.
For example, it is also possible to cushion liquidity bottlenecks when converting to an ecological economy, according to the letter. According to Schouten, the most important instrument for achieving the sustainability goals is a development fund that is to be set up at the beginning of next year.
The relevant budget for 2021 amounts to 70 million euros (76 million francs). This money would be used to support targeted agricultural investments through subordinated loans. According to the minister, the prerequisite for the credit approval is an officially approved business plan, the creation of which will also be promoted. The repayment period for approved loans could extend beyond the entire budgeting period of three years.
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