The dairy farmers of Midden-Delfland continue to strengthen their national leadership position in sustainability. Literally and figuratively, they are stepping it up in the new season of Circular Agriculture 2025/2026. During the annual presentation of the circular certificates for the year 2024, the farmers symbolically offered a shovel along with the renewed Circular Certificate 2.0 with sharper objectives.
The deputy thanked the farmers for their efforts, which align well with the goals of the South Holland Rural Area Program. He will incorporate the farmers offer into the plan for a future-proof rural area, which the province is working on with various area parties.
At the same time, the province is exploring how it can financially support the sustainable ambitions of farmers in the future. Special attention is given to Midden-Delfland.
The Circular Certificate 2.0 will have even more ambitious goals. For example, for nitrogen, feed from ones own land, nature and landscape, and greenhouse gases. From the new circular season 2025/2026, farmers will be assessed not on 8, but on 10 points. These points are called Critical Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The reward system is also changing. Initially, farmers only received a reward for a TOP performance. Now they also receive a reward if they take smaller steps towards more sustainable working (good, better, best). Ambitions that are harder to achieve will also yield more money.
The farmers working group, consisting of 6 farmers from Midden-Delfland who have worked with other parties on the Circular Certificate 2.0, says: As farmers in Midden-Delfland, we are constantly looking for ways to minimize our environmental impact and give nature as much space as possible on our farms. We keep raising the bar. Also because we believe that the transition to sustainable agriculture needs to happen faster. In this, we want to be an example and inspiration for other farmers in the Netherlands.
Area-oriented, realistic, and together
Rijkaart: The farmers of Midden-Delfland are at the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship. With their determination and ambition, they are continually taking new steps and inspiring others to do the same. The province of South Holland believes in sustainability from within and is happy to support the Midden-Delfland region. Together we ensure that the transition to a sustainable agricultural sector continues at full speed!
The Delfland Water Authority, Rotterdam de boer op! and the municipality of Midden-Delfland also support the farmers. The Delfland Water Authority has been rewarding sustainable farmers since 2021. During the presentation of the circular certificates, Delfland pledged to continue this at least until 2027.