Country Information
The Netherlands
Management of Rural Development
Rural Development policy in the Netherlands is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Rural development is important, as it plays an essential role in the development of all aspects of the Dutch rural landscape, water management and outdoor recreation. The Dutch Rural Development Programme (RDP) is a practical elaboration of the Netherlands’ Rural Development Strategy (NRDS), which was based on the European rural development guidelines, and reflects the strategic decisions taken by the Netherlands in this field.
Summary of rural development policy objectives
The Dutch RDP includes the following overall objectives:
- strengthening entrepreneurship and the capacity to innovate within the sector;
- better compliance with demands from society regarding environmental quality, water management, food quality, animal health and well-being;
- improving the physical conditions for agri-business;
- improving the quality of produce and of the production process by strengthening the agri-chain;
- sustainable management of Natura 2000 areas and strengthening support for enhanced biodiversity by agricultural enterprises in particular;
- preserving and improving typical man-made landscapes (‘National Landscapes’) as part of the Dutch cultural heritage;
- increasing afforestation of farmland, multi-functional use and sustainable management of (production) forests;
- restoring water systems through sustainable (economic and ecological) water management, improved quality of ground and surface water, prevention of water shortages in agricultural land and natural areas;
- diversifying farm activities;
- promoting micro-enterprises in rural areas;
- increasing accessibility to rural areas and promoting rural tourism;
- improving the quality of rural governance and mobilising development capacity.
Relevant documents
- National Strategy Plan (NSP)
- National Rural Development Programme (RDP)
- Rural Development programme summary: To see the detailed RDP fiche please click here.
Relevant organisations
- National Authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
- Managing Authority
- Paying Agency
- National Rural Network (NRN):
- Local Action Groups on ENRD website
- Other relevant organisations: Vitaal Platteland, Platteland.startpagina
Other relevant links
- Pearls of the Dutch Countryside [PDF
]
