News Wildlife damage
Provinces pay almost a quarter more in wildlife damage
More and more farmers seem to be finding a way to apply for compensation for wildlife damage. The number of applications increased by almost 2023% in 10 compared to 2022 and the amount of claims paid increased by almost 25%. This is reported by BIJ12, the implementing organization of the Interprovincial Consultation.
Last year, the provinces paid out €55 million in compensation for wildlife damage. That is 23% more than in 2022 when €45 million was reimbursed. The number of applications increased from approximately 7.700 to 8.500. The gray goose is by far the biggest cause of damage. In 2023, almost €27,6 million in damages caused by this animal were compensated. The barnacle goose and white-fronted goose are in second and third place, causing €8,4 and €5,7 million in damage respectively. It is mainly grassland for which compensation for damage is being requested. The compensation amounted to €43,2 million last year.
Higher compensation
According to BIJ12, the increase in the amount of damages paid is partly due to the higher grass price. The price of grass is calculated based on the market value of replacement feed. In 2022, BIJ12 charged €0,31 per percent dry matter for grass. Last year, €0,34 per percent dry matter was assumed. The number of applications increased by approximately 10%. "Land users are increasingly submitting multiple applications per year for compensation for fauna damage. BIJ12 suspects that this is because land users, with or without professional help, are increasingly finding their way to applying for compensation," writes BIJ12.
In Friesland, North and South Holland, land users can request damage for more animal species. The jackdaw, carrion crow and wood pigeon, among others, are no longer allowed to be hunted in these provinces. Last year, the wood pigeon wreaked havoc on vegetable crops such as cauliflower, lettuce and broccoli, according to BIJ12.
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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