Last summer, the subsidy schemes Collaboration for Innovations and Knowledge and Information were opened. Various companies and organizations received subsidy to contribute to the transition to sustainable agriculture.
The subsidy schemes are part of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Collaboration for innovation
The subsidy scheme focuses on innovations in agriculture through partnerships of entrepreneurs. The innovations must contribute to the transition to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture and/or promote biodiversity in the agricultural area. To achieve this, the innovations must align with one or more themes of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) and meet the provincial objectives from the Implementation Program for Rural Area Agriculture and Nature (2021) of the Province of Zeeland .
The total available subsidy amount of € 2,500,000 was allocated with € 1,075,000 from European funds and € 1,425,000 from national co-financing. More applications were submitted for the subsidy than there was budget available. Subsidy was granted to:
Robotics puts Zeelands regenerative onion cultivation on the map
The project involves the development of an autonomous robot that detects weeds and then combats them with electrical voltage to clear the way for regenerative onion cultivation.
A green polder all year round
The goal of this project is to develop a cultivation system that keeps the soil covered with a crop throughout the year. This ensures that the soil is optimally resilient to increasingly variable climate conditions and promotes biodiversity.
Sustainable management of black fruit rot in Zeeland pear cultivation
Black fruit rot in pears is a major problem. The project develops strategies that are tested in practice to keep pear cultivation sustainable and reduce the risk of infection.
Soil experience through regenerative agriculture
This project aims to gain more knowledge and data on soil biodiversity, soil life, and its impact on the resilience and vitality of the soil and crops. This will be translated into a strategy that is useful for farmers who want to switch to regenerative agriculture.
Other projects focus on the quality of legumes, the use of miscanthus, and the development of a systemic approach to pest control in fruit cultivation.
Knowledge and Information
The subsidy helps agricultural entrepreneurs acquire and apply knowledge on their farms. The subsidy can be applied for by qualified knowledge providers for conducting training, workshops, coaching, informational actions, and demonstrations.
The total available subsidy amount of € 1,200,000 was allocated with € 516,000 from European funds and € 684,000 from national co-financing. Subsidy was granted to:
The green resilient entrepreneur
The project has expertise on themes that the arable farming sector in Zeeland is currently facing. Through meetings, webinars, and individual advice, all available knowledge from the project partners is shared so that arable farmers can utilize it in their own businesses.
Sharing and multiplying knowledge about regenerative agriculture
The goal of this project is to disseminate knowledge about regenerative agriculture and work towards a model that makes the transition more accessible. This is done through tailored advice and organizing knowledge and demonstration meetings.
Currently, there is a new opening for Collaboration for Innovations and Knowledge and Information open until October 15, 2025. For Collaboration for Innovations, € 3,000,000 is available. For Knowledge and Information, € 500,000 is available.