News item | 02-10-2025 | 8:45 AM
Today the online platform companyopiezerwijzer.nl has been officially launched. For the first time there will be an independent support point where young agricultural entrepreneurs, business transferers and side entrants can go for advice, guidance and inspiration in business takeover. Government, agricultural organizations and educational institutions are joining forces to strengthen the future of Dutch agriculture and horticulture. Company acquisition guide is part of the new program ‘For the next generation’. Thanks to a new investment of more than € 4.4 million from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, this program can develop further for the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs for the next 4 years.
The program ‘For the new generation’ and the company acquisition guide are at an important moment. In 2025, 10 percent of all farms in the Netherlands will be under the leadership of someone under the age of 40 – around 5,000 companies. At the same time, 59% of agricultural entrepreneurs aged 55 and over do not have a successor. Many young entrepreneurs want to work in the sector. They have a strong need for practical information about company takeover.
Minister Wiersma, LVVN: Company takeover is not only about figures, but also about families, future choices and the love for the profession. Thanks to the extra investment in these new programs, we give young agricultural entrepreneurs perspective, we help them take this step with confidence and we build a strong agricultural sector. For example, valuable knowledge and entrepreneurship is not lost.
Practical support and network
Company acquisition guide makes knowledge from research and practice immediately accessible. In addition to legal and financial themes, special attention is paid to the social and emotional aspects of company takeover. For example, agricultural entrepreneurs not only get help with the financial side of business takeover, but also in conversations within the family and making choices for the future. By connecting with other agricultural entrepreneurs, advisers and colleges, a powerful network is created that supports successors and transferers in every phase of the process.
Business acquisition guide and the program ‘For the next generation’ offer:
- Practical guidance in business takeover, including attention to the social and emotional aspects.
- Access to advice, knowledge sharing and a strong network.
- Regional support directly in the yard, so that where follow -up is stopping, practical help is near.
The program will be financially supported by the Ministry of LVVN for the next four years. Then it will stand on its own two feet, worn by the sector itself. This has been taken today an important step towards a future-proof agriculture and horticulture, in which young agricultural entrepreneurs can take the baton with confidence.
The online platform can be found here: www.bedrijfsovernamewijzer.nl.