Farmers in Zeeland facing fauna damage can expect clearer and fairer rules starting November 1, 2025. The Province of Zeeland is adjusting the regulation to better align with practice. An important improvement: damage to sugar beets in December is now also eligible for compensation.
Simpler Requirements
In addition to the expansion for sugar beets, other components are also being adjusted. Farmers will now have three working days to report damage instead of the day the damage is observed, and there are simpler requirements for low-yield crops such as clover and grassland. The conditions for preventive measures to qualify for damage compensation are the same as the preventive measures required to apply for an environmental permit.
Additionally, no environmental permit needs to be requested for damage caused by the following ten bird species to qualify for damage compensation: small pink-footed goose, great tit, blackbird,
blue tit, goldfinch, reed bunting, rook, white-fronted goose, finch and waterhen.
‘Helping Farmers Instead of Burdening Them’
Deputy Wilfried Nielen is pleased that the adjustments are now being implemented. “We want to help farmers, not unnecessarily burden them. The old rules were illogical and unworkable. We have corrected that now. With this revision, we make the system clearer and ensure that farmers are fairly compensated for damage they cannot prevent. We will not make it more complicated than necessary; that is and remains our commitment.”
Transparent System
The amendment follows a motion from Provincial States and is part of a broader adjustment of the so-called ‘Nature Protection Policy Rules’. These proved difficult to implement in practice. By simplifying the rules and aligning them with the conditions for wildlife management, a more transparent system is created that works better for everyone.
