Farmers are investing less and less in stables

There is less and less investment in agricultural buildings. There has been a downward trend since 2012. This is apparent from the released data from Statistics Netherlands on the number of building permits for agricultural structures.

Since 2012, the planned construction sum has decreased when permits are issued for agricultural buildings. In that year this amounted to more than €850 million. In 2019 this is only less than half, namely €409 million. The total construction cost has gradually decreased since 2012.

Cattle farmers give up
Over the years, there has been less investment, especially in cattle barns. In the period between 2012 and 2015, an average of €200 to €300 million was invested annually in cattle barns. In 2019 this was only €45 million. The decreased willingness to invest is most likely due to uncertain legislation and regulations regarding nitrogen and phosphate. 

According to Statistics Netherlands, the investment in the construction of greenhouses and the investment in the construction of tool sheds has increased, but by much smaller amounts than the decreasing investment in cattle barns.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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