Half of provinces prioritize price over sustainability in agricultural land leasing

Sustainability is playing a minimal role in how agricultural land is distributed among farmers in the Netherlands, a recent study by Pointer reveals. The findings suggest that the current leasing system could hinder the country’s goals of expanding organic farming by 2030.

Dutch provinces manage over 20,000 hectares of farmland, part of the total 1.8 million hectares across the country. Many provinces have introduced bonus points for farmers who practice sustainable farming methods when applying for land leases. This incentive is designed to help environmentally conscious farmers secure land.

However, the study highlights significant differences in how sustainability is prioritized. In half of the provinces, including Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, and Zeeland, the highest bid or proximity of the farm to the leased land is the most important factor in land allocation, not sustainability. The distance criterion is used as an environmental measure to reduce the number of heavy agricultural vehicle trips.

This focus on distance has raised concerns for organic farmers. "Biological farmers often can’t compete with conventional farmers who need land to handle their manure surplus," rural sociologist Margriet Goris told Pointer. "Many organic farmers need land farther from their farms because they haven’t been farming in the same area for generations. This distance criterion makes it more difficult for them to secure land."

In addition, provinces can reportedly impose extra conditions on leased land, such as restrictions on pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. However, the research indicates that such conditions are rarely enforced. Almost all provinces allow the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, including the controversial herbicide glyphosate, which remains legal in five provinces: Friesland, Overijssel, Zeeland, Limburg, and Gelderland.

For some farmers, these policies have had direct consequences. Pieter Boons, a 64-year-old organic farmer, lost access to a fertile piece of land he had hoped to use for his farm. "I don’t blame the highest bidder, but I do blame the province for how they handled the allocation," Boons told Pointer.

Jeroen Rheinfeld, a professor of agricultural law, noted that the policies vary depending on the political stance of each province. Speaking to the Pointer, he called for a more unified approach, stating, "This raises the question of whether land leasing should be regulated at the provincial level at all. I would urge the provinces to align their policies more closely."

The Dutch government aims to have 15 percent of agricultural land farmed organically by 2030, a significant increase from the current 4.5 percent. However, Goris is doubtful that the target will be met under the current system. "Leasing policies are a quick win for sustainability. But as things stand, we are unlikely to reach 15 percent by 2030," she said.