The programme is designed to achieve a permanent reduction in ammonia emissions from livestock farming, which contribute to nitrogen deposition and place significant environmental pressure on protected natural habitats in the Netherlands.
Financial support will be available to farms that agree to cease livestock production voluntarily, permanently and irreversibly. The new scheme builds on previous Dutch farm closure programmes — LBV, LBV-plus and LBV for smaller sectors — approved by the European Commission in 2023 and 2024.
The programme is open to micro, small and medium-sized farms raising dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, veal calves, dairy goats, rabbits, meat ducks and other cattle.
Priority will be given to farms located wholly or partly within Natura 2000 areas affected by excessive nitrogen emissions, as well as those situated within a radius of up to 1,000 metres from such protected sites. Reducing emissions in these areas is considered particularly urgent.
Participants will be eligible for direct grants covering between 100% and 110% of eligible costs. This level of compensation is intended to provide a strong financial incentive for producers who decide to cease operations permanently.
The programme will remain in force for five years. The European Commission expects it to support the restoration of environmentally sensitive areas and help the Netherlands meet its environmental commitments to reduce nitrogen pollution.
PigUA.info, based on materials from 3tres3.com