Arable farmer authorizes RVO for collecting research money

From 1 March 2018, arable farmers can authorize the Arable Industry Organization (BO Akkerbouw) to gain access to the acreage data that they report to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl). The ultimate goal is collective and independent arable research.

BO Arable farming and RVO.nl have reached an agreement about passing on the acreage data. Since BO Akkerbouw now has easy access to the data, the collective arable research can be started. "The money raised can now actually be used for collective research. This instead of having to incur all kinds of administrative costs," says Matthé Elema, director of BO Akkerbouw.

Dirk de Lugt, chairman of BO Akkerbouw, is also pleased with the development: "An important condition has now been met to be able to carry out our own Research and Innovation program. After all, the basis for financing with broad support has now been laid", so let De Lugt know in the press release.

Independent investigation
According to Elema, the decision means that useful and independent research will be carried out for arable farmers. "The topics are suggested by growers. If certain questions occur more often, it is determined whether it is worth an investigation. Ultimately, the Dutch Arable Farming Union (NAV) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Organization (LTO Nederland) determine which studies are carried out."

If growers do not give the authorization to BO Akkerbouw, they must still provide this information. If they don't, BO Akkerbouw will go after this and make sure everyone pays for it.

Maximum contribution
The maximum contribution is determined in the binding declaration and is calculated according to the surface area of ​​the cultivated land per crop. In the period up to and including 2020, the mandatory contributions will be imposed annually in the second half of the year.

Learning objectives and topics
The money for the research can in many cases be combined with government money. "The interests of the government, the growers and the research institutes (such as WUR) are often the same," says Elema. Livestock farmers who grow arable crops must also participate in the collective research.

Making a collective investigation mandatory has so far not caused much commotion among arable farmers. 

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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