Minister Wiersma: “The strength of innovation lies with the people who work the land every day. Farmers know better than anyone what is happening in their region. With this 15 million euros, collaborations between farmers and researchers have the opportunity to test ideas directly on the farm over the next 5 years. The combination of practical knowledge and science is essential for sustainable agriculture. This way, innovation truly takes root, close to the farmer and with an eye on the local situation.”

The experimental locations are unique collaborations between agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers, and chain partners. In each area, they work on tailored solutions that fit local conditions – because what works in the wet peat meadow areas of the Green Heart has very different outcomes on Brabant sandy soils.

From the peat meadow area to the stream valleys: current themes are addressed at each location, such as nitrogen reduction, developing new revenue models, improving soil and water quality, enhancing animal health and welfare, and biodiversity. Both technical and social innovations are being experimented with.

• Fieldlab Groene Hart (South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht)
  Focused on dairy farming in the western peat meadow area. Here, sustainable, circular solutions are tested together with chain partners – from farmer to government and financier. Farmers are testing innovative measures to reduce nitrogen emissions through management adjustments and technology.
• Experimental Area East Netherlands (Twente and Achterhoek)
  Here, a fundamental change in the agricultural production system is being worked on. The focus is on circular agriculture, biodiversity, climate resilience, and new revenue models. Farmers experiment with water storage, revenue models in stream valleys, and closing nutrient cycles.
• Farm of the Future Southeast Sandy Area (The Peel)
  In collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, four innovative business systems are being tested that fit the sandy soils of Southeast Netherlands. Attention is given to sustainable land use, targeted work with KPIs, and the application of new technologies such as drones and robots. Farmers coordinate their crops and work smartly together to achieve common goals.

These three locations are just the beginning. The goal is to work towards multiple experimental locations that will form a national network in which practical knowledge, data, and experiences are widely shared.

The knowledge and data that arise from this will be shared starting in the fall of 2025 through the new National Platform for Experimental Locations – the place where the results of experimental 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/experimenteerlocaties-voor-de-agrarische-sector