Five options for vacant land

The extremely wet weather conditions do not allow timely sowing and planting everywhere in the Netherlands. This stretches the boundaries of what is possible. Both in terms of sowing and planting date and the conditions under which the work must be done. However, it is sometimes necessary to look for alternatives. We list what options you have for these plots.

Eco-activity
Anyone who (out of necessity) chooses to shift a crop within their crop plan must take into account the impact this may have on the eco scheme. It is possible that the company will subsequently be classified in a lower class (bronze, silver, gold). Adjusting the eco-activity is not possible because the deadline for this was May 17. Unfortunately, RVO does not grant an extension. It is possible to report force majeure.

You are always obliged to report a new crop to RVO in the Combined declaration. Changing the crop codes is allowed throughout the year. The crop that is on the land between May 15 and July 15 is regarded as the main crop in the GO. This crop also guides the usage standards. RVO has postponed the requirement green fallow. This did not have to be 15% green on May 80. That is now July 15th. Advisors recommend always specifying an adjustment to the eco-activity, provided the conditions can be met. It must be stated that this concerns force majeure.

1: Force majeure offers possible 'backdoor'
As described, it is in principle not possible to choose another eco-activity such as registering a plot for green fallow. RVO does have a force majeure clause, for extreme situations that are, among other things, weather related. This is possible online are specified. Evidence must also be provided such as precipitation data and images. RVO ultimately assesses whether there is indeed force majeure. In order to adjust the eco-activity, it is important that it is clear that a different decision had to be made after May 17. This is important, for example, in a maize plot with undersowing that has failed due to heavy rainfall. This has an impact on the eco-scheme and must therefore always be reported as an emergency.

2: Nitrogen-fixing crop
Growing a nitrogen-fixing crop can have two benefits. It is now quite late for green peas, although plots are still being sown. Green beans are also a leguminous crop that can still be sown. Some growers choose this. However, it is difficult to find a sales contract for this crop as vegetable processors have usually already filled in their area. This also applies to the different beans such as brown and white beans or kidney beans. These can also be sown in June, but the market for them is small.

An additional challenge is that plots that have suffered extensive water damage or that have not yet been sown are usually not ready for sowing. There is still time for green beans, but also spinach, but other crops really need to be planted now.

3: Cutting maize, but deadline is approaching
In the south of the Netherlands, a considerable area of ​​silage maize still needs to be sown or resown. In addition, some companies choose to sow corn where another crop would not work. Seed supplier Limagrain uses June 21 as the deadline sowing date for this crop. Sowing after this date is possible, but there is a good chance that the crop will not get a good cob filling. There is also the harvest risk to take into account. "It is important to choose a variety with an FAO of 180," says Bram de Visser of CZAV. This amounts to 140 growing days, which means that in theory the crop is ripe in November.

4: Alternative forages
If it is no longer possible to sow maize, fodder beets and fodder sorghum offer an alternative that can still be sown at the end of June, Limagrain reports. The ideal sowing date for fodder beets is April, but according to the company a crop can now yield 50 tons with a high energy value. Sowing temporary grassland has the additional advantage that it creates extra manure placement space, which maize does not provide. If the grass is on the land before July 15, the fertilization standard for grassland applies as the new main crop.

5: Rest crops
On sandy and loess soil, farmers are obliged to grow a dormant crop once every 4 years. If it is not possible to sow the planned crop, the obligation of a catch/rest crop can be met with a dormant crop as the main crop. A crop such as brown beans, a short-lived vegetable crop or cabbage also counts as a dormant crop. Temporary grassland, a green manure or marigolds naturally also count as a rest crop.

Which choice best suits your situation depends on your company, the soil type, circumstances and sales opportunities. Obtaining sales contracts for vegetables can certainly be difficult for those who do not have existing agreements. This market started this season very well laborious, but has now also been affected by the weather conditions. That can create new demand. Ultimately it all depends on the conditions in the field. When is there a chance to sow a new crop? At the same time, potatoes are also planted. Growers have often already incurred some of the costs and have the seed potatoes in house. Buyers are asking to plant and will probably continue to do so until July 1.