Drenthe's future farming plan draws massive public engagement with 750 visitors and 244 responses
Drenthe’s new design programme for sustainable rural development has sparked significant public interest, with 750 attendees at meetings and 244 responses. The plan aims to break the permit deadlock for farmers while improving nature and water quality—key for residents and businesses alike.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Future-Oriented Rural Area of Drenthe (TLGD) |
| Public Inspection Period | 16 February – 30 March 2026 |
| Meetings Held | 9 open-house meetings + 2 presentations |
| Visitors | Over 750 |
| Responses Received | 244 (organisations and individuals) |
| Next Steps | Responses processed; nitrogen standard and budget to be finalised |
| Target Presentation Date | 1 July 2026 (to Provincial Council) |
| Province | Drenthe |
The Province of Drenthe is responsible for spatial planning, environmental policy, and economic development in the region. In this case, it leads the TLGD programme to balance agricultural interests with nature restoration, working closely with farmers, organisations, and the central government.
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Over 750 visitors and 244 responses for the TLGD design programme
The design programme for the Future-Oriented Rural Area of Drenthe (TLGD) has been available for public inspection over the past six weeks. With the TLGD, the province aims to enable permit issuance again, provide a future for Drenthe farmers, and restore and improve nature and water quality.
Nine meetings and two presentations
To address questions from entrepreneurs, organisations, and residents about the design, we organised nine open-house meetings across the province. In addition, at the request of DAJK and LTO Noord, we held two evenings to present the programme. During these eleven meetings, we welcomed over 750 visitors.
244 responses
From 16 February to 30 March, anyone could respond to the design programme. A total of 244 organisations and individuals made use of this opportunity. In the coming weeks, we will process these responses. All responses will be included in a so-called Response Memorandum, which outlines how we will address each response. Everyone who submitted a response will receive a personal reply.
"I am pleased with the strong interest in the meetings and the responses we have received on the TLGD. This will improve the programme and help lift Drenthe out of the permit deadlock. Step by step, towards a future where farmers can continue farming and where nature and livability are preserved." Deputy Henk Emmens
Nitrogen standard and finances to be finalised
Together with experts from agricultural and nature organisations, we are currently finalising the nitrogen standard for the agricultural sector. We are seeking a fair approach that rewards farmers who have already taken steps to reduce emissions.
We are also calculating the estimated costs of implementing the TLGD, including the nitrogen standard. This will allow us to discuss funding with the central government.
Timeline
Processing all responses, finalising the nitrogen standard, and budgeting means there is still a lot of work ahead in the coming weeks and months. We remain committed to presenting the TLGD to the Provincial Council on 1 July.
See also
"Step by step, towards a future where farmers can continue farming and where nature and livability are preserved."
Deputy Henk Emmens