From 2026 onwards, the province will invest an additional 5.6 million euros annually in Agricultural Nature and Landscape Management (ANLb). This will give more farmers the opportunity to apply nature and landscape management on their farms. This amount is in addition to the existing provincial contribution of 13.2 million euros per year.
The Agricultural Nature and Landscape Management (ANLb) is a scheme that rewards farmers for nature-friendly management on their land. Examples include measures for meadow birds, such as mowing later in the season, creating wetland plots, and maintaining flower-rich edges. These forms of management promote biodiversity, an attractive landscape, and a better living environment for people and animals.
More opportunities for farmers and nature in Utrecht
Mirjam Sterk, Deputy for Nature and Agriculture, Rural Area Transition: “Farmers play an indispensable role in managing our landscape. They care for the meadows, ditches, and hedgerows where birds, bees, and flowers find their home. With extra funding for the ANLb, we want to support them better. We ask a lot from farmers in this time of change and we try to support them. This is an investment in them and in the landscape we want to preserve together.”
The expansion is made possible thanks to a national investment by the government, which has made a total of 83 million euros available for the period 2026 to 2028. Of that amount, the province of Utrecht receives 5.4 million euros per year.
Collaboration strengthens nature management
As a province, we work closely with agricultural collectives in Utrecht for the ANLb, who coordinate the implementation of management and organize agreements with participating farmers. Thanks to the additional funds, these collectives can involve more farmers in nature management in their own areas.
With this structural investment, we strengthen the cooperation between agriculture and nature, and continue building a vital and future-proof rural area where farmers and nature reinforce each other.
For press information:
jytte.reichert@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 18 54 01 37
