Netherlands, Milk production | Dutch farmers flee from strict climate requirements

More Dutch farmers are emigrating out of the Netherlands, according to the German Agrarheute.

Most milk producers cross the border.

The vast majority move to Germany, which is close both geographically and linguistically. But Denmark is also a favorite destination for farmers. In Germany, the rules are not as strict as in the Netherlands and there is more space for agriculture.

Increasing trend

The growing emigration trend has been visible for some time. There are now 100 to 150 farmers who move from the Netherlands annually. Only a few years ago it was 50.

Part of the explanation for the migration flow is that the Netherlands is working to reduce nitrogen emissions in the country. They do this, among other things, by reducing agricultural production, particularly with animal production.

Large-scale government acquisition

Part of the strategy of the Dutch authorities is to buy up farms, which means that the younger farmers have greater financial opportunities to establish themselves in neighboring countries.

In June last year, the Dutch state set aside 24.3 billion euros, over NOK 280 billion, to reduce emissions. There are then several thousand farms that can be bought out by the state.