'Adjustment of government land policy desired'

The system of registration on agricultural land must be abolished. This is what the Association of Land Tenants and Own Land Users (BLHB) writes in a letter to State Secretary Raymond Knops (Internal Affairs). The union is of the opinion that policy for agricultural state lands should focus more on improving agricultural structure.

Government agricultural land has been seen as an investment object since 2010. Efficiency has become the leading factor in this. The BLHB reports that registrations are therefore being organised, but these lead to absurdly high lease prices and overexploitation of the land.

Sustainable soil management
The government's policy focuses on sustainable soil management. "However, this cannot be fulfilled due to the issuance of short-term and expensive lease agreements and the development of the agricultural company is hindered," the union said in its letter. According to the BLHB, this causes fluctuations in farm size, which does not contribute to stability for farmers.

In its letter, the BLHB also mentions another effect of registration on agricultural land. Namely that partly due to the size of the lots offered, only the stronger and often larger (ownership) companies can register.

IJsselmeer polders
According to the union, the above is mainly located in the IJsselmeer polders, where the Central Government Real Estate Agency (RVB) has a major influence. As the sole owner of the land, the agency has determined business development in this area, leaving a lasting mark on today's land market. For example, building plan regulations are used, which excludes companies with innovative crops.

The BLHB has a critical attitude towards government policy for agricultural land and therefore wants this policy to be revised. The way in which management is carried out by the Central Government Real Estate Agency for the individual farmer is also a point of attention. This is characterized by passivity, poor accessibility and a lack of involvement.

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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