News item | 17-07-2025 | 16:30
Today, 3 experimental locations officially start where farmers, gardeners and researchers work together on the future of Dutch agriculture and horticulture. In these places it is tested which innovations really work in practice – in the yard, in the greenhouse or on the land. With an investment of € 15 million, Minister Wiersma of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) supports these initiatives. The locations were created through the subsidy scheme for experimental locations (SREL), for which plans could be submitted early this year. The aim is to speed up innovation and ensure that new solutions are in line with the daily practice of farmers and gardeners.
Minister Wiersma: “The power of innovation lies with the people who stand on the land every day. Farmers know better than anyone what is going on in their region. With these € 15 million, partnerships of farmers and researchers are given the space to test ideas directly in the yard for the next 5 years. The combination of practical knowledge and science is essential for a future -proof agriculture.”
The experimental locations are unique collaborations between agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers and chain partners. In each area they work on customized solutions that match the local conditions – because what works in the wet peat meadow areas of the Groene Hart is very different on Brabant sandy soil.
From the peat meadow to the stream valleys: current themes are tackled at every location, such as nitrogen reduction, the development of new revenue models, improving soil and water quality, the strengthening of animal health and animal welfare and biodiversity. In addition, experimentation is made with both technical and social innovations.
The first 3 experimental locations:
- Fieldlab Groene Hart (South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht)
Focused on dairy farming in the western peat meadow area. Sustainable, circular solutions are tested here together with chain partners – from farmer to government and financier. Farmers test, among other things, innovative measures to lower nitrogen emissions through management adjustments and technology. - Experiment area East Netherlands (Twente and Achterhoek)
Work is being done here on a fundamental change in the agricultural production system. The focus is on cycle agriculture, biodiversity, climate resistance and new revenue models. Farmers experiment with water storage, earnings models in stream valleys and the closing of Nutrient cycles. - Farm of the Future Southeastern sandy area (De Peel)
In collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, four innovative business systems are being tested that match the sandy soils of the Southeast Netherlands. Attention is paid to sustainable land use, targeted working with KPIs and the application of new technology such as drones and robots. Farmers coordinate their crops and work smart together to achieve joint goals.
On the way to a national network
These 3 locations are only the beginning. The aim is to work towards several experimental locations that will soon be a national network in which practical knowledge, data and experiences are widely shared.
From the autumn of 2025, the knowledge and data that arise are shared via the new National Platform Experimental Locations – the place where the results of experimenting locations are shared and where farmers can learn from farmers.
More information about the subsidy scheme for experimental locations can be found at: https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/experimenteerocations-voor-de-agrician-sector