The current tenancy regulations are in need of modernization, according to the Dutch Agricultural Youth Contact (NAJK). A well-functioning tenancy system must offer young farmers and horticulturalists the security and stability they need to invest in their businesses, the young farmers' organization states in its opinion on the draft revision of the tenancy regulations. The NAJK emphasizes the importance of modernization but also indicates that essential adjustments are necessary to achieve a successful tenancy law.
According to NAJK, the bill before us A solid foundation. In recent years, the organization has strongly advocated for a legislative amendment that supports both sustainability and long-term security in the agricultural sector. NAJK is therefore positive about the proposals presented and sees potential for future-proofing the sector.
Stability
However, the NAJK warns that the ultimate effectiveness of the new lease regulations hinges on concrete adjustments. "With targeted improvements, we can ensure that the amendment actually leads to the desired sustainability and stability for tenant farmers," the organization states.
NAJK is critical of the proposed fully free pricing in the new lease system. According to the organization, this could "lead to unaffordable lease prices." NAJK wants a more liberal, yet regulated, lease price and tax benefits for the lessor, such as a box 3 discount for long-term leases. NAJK also advocates for, among other things, a land swap scheme. This is essential for crop rotation and cooperation between arable and livestock farming.
In the case of short-term leases, the NAJK anticipates a shift towards gray leases if registration and monitoring are not carried out properly. To address this, the young farmers' organization advocates for a link between the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the land registry, and the Combined Declaration.