Natuurrijk Limburg seeks land users for landscape management

Photo: © Natural Limburg

Coöperatie Natuurrijk Limburg is the executor of this subsidy scheme. Anyone with agricultural land can participate, but only natural land is excluded. ANLb is possible on the vast majority of agricultural land in Limburg.

Knops has a fairly extensive arable farm with grains and sugar beets. 'In addition, I have a large branch of ANLb with standard orchards, partridge fields, botanical grain fields and a few toad pools. We have also created hedges and thickets,' he explains.

For the arable farmer from Limburg, getting into landscape management was not a big step. 'I actually just grew into it. You start with a little bit. At a certain point it suits you. I really feel good about it.'

Field staff at Natuurrijk Limburg advise and assist participants in the ANLb subsidy scheme with their management. 'I definitely recommend the ANLb because you get in touch with a field employee right away. You can spar and you can also indicate why you do certain things,' says Knops.

Easy communication

'With a field employee, that's pretty easy communication. Just give Natuurrijk Limburg a call and ask if a field employee can visit you. Then he can explain what packages there are, what the possibilities are and what's in return. 'For six years you just have security because you get a compensation for your land and your efforts,' explains the arable farmer.

Natuurrijk Limburg is still looking for farmers and other managers of agricultural land who want to participate in the scheme from 2024 for a hectare fee. Participants receive a multi-year payment for managing agricultural land within the ANLb scheme. Meanwhile, Natuurrijk Limburg has more than 1,200 agricultural and private participants.

Lost income

When implementing agricultural nature and landscape management, participants receive a multi-year guaranteed compensation from Natural Limburg for labor and lost income.

One of the packages is for the partridge. It amounts to 2,868 euros per hectare. Packages with herb-rich grassland start at 1,375 euros per hectare. Packages with landscape elements such as standard orchards are at 2081.30 euros per hectare and for ponds at 160.77 euros to 286.75 euros each.

Those interested in a package can register at natuurrijklimburg.nl by clicking 'YES! I am interested in the ANLb'. For more information call (06) 57821032.

Source: New Harvest