In the Netherlands, the sector must continue adapting to targets for reducing nitrogen emissions. To support this process, the government is implementing two financial assistance programmes that encourage intensive livestock operators to sell their farms under voluntary buyout schemes.
The detection of African swine fever (ASF) in Spain has become an additional factor affecting the Dutch breeding sector. Against this backdrop, Dutch piglet shipments to Spain fell by 43% between January and May 2026.
Similar developments are taking place in Belgium, where a livestock farm buyout programme is also in operation. Regulatory pressure related to environmental protection and animal welfare is among the key reasons behind farm closures.
Flanders’ nitrogen policy remains a particularly important factor, requiring nitrogen emissions to be reduced by 2030 in line with EU requirements.
In addition to the regulatory burden, the sector is under pressure from weaker profitability, price volatility and high energy and feed costs.
According to USDA FAS, voluntary farm buyout programmes are currently accelerating the decline in pig farms in the Netherlands and Belgium and driving the long-term restructuring of the sector.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com