Going into the country means that you visit small villages surrounded by farmers land. Small villages stay small, but in Holland a lot of farmers land disappears. How come?
Take a walk in a rural area with your Eastpak rugzak and you will enjoy the silence, the birds, and mostly also the sound of tractors going back and forth on farmers land. You are in the countryside.
WHAT WILL BE AN ALTERNATIVE?
A lot of agricultural land in Holland will no longer be used by farmers or horticulturists. It is expected that in 2030 at least 50% of the agricultural development will not be used. What is the alternative?
As a result of the scaling up, environmental measures, climate measures and animal welfare the farmers business is no longer lucrative and the amount of farmers declines. The countryside will be no longer farmers area as it used to be.
FARM TURNS INTO A BED & BREAKFAST
A transformation is needed. Some farms can be turned into a bed & breakfast, land can be turned into a landscape cemetery, a farm can become a care farm and so on.
Agricultural estate agents say this gives the opportunity for new businesses. They talk to farmers and other landowners what to do with their farm and their land when they stop farming.
FARMERS START THEIR OWN COMPANY
The agricultural department created a magazine with a lot of examples and inspiration for farmers so they can delve into this. For some farmers it is a real transformation of their business. But it can be a opportunity to run a new business and start their own company.
The question is: are they open to it? Will they leave the magazine in their Kipling rugzak or will they show their interest?