Incentive scheme to double organic farming in Limburg

Farmers who wish to switch to organic farming, as well as those who already farm organically, can count on additional support from the Province of Limburg.

Through the Organic Farming Incentive Scheme 2026–2030, the Province is supporting agricultural entrepreneurs in making the transition to organic farming and in the further development of their businesses. In this way, the Province aims to contribute to the ambition of doubling the area under organic cultivation in Limburg: from the current 3.35 per cent to 6.7 per cent by 2030.

“A farmer doesn’t switch to organic farming for just one season. It’s a long-term choice that must also offer prospects for the next five or ten years,” explains Provincial Executive Member Jasper Kuntzelaers.  “That is why we support farmers who are switching to organic farming, but we also invest in knowledge, research and marketing opportunities. In this way, we help agricultural entrepreneurs to take that step and see it through.”

The Organic Farming Incentive Plan 2026–2030 comprises various incentive schemes covering support, expanding the market in Limburg, education, research, knowledge-sharing and advocacy. For example, farmers wishing to convert to organic farming can count on intensive guidance regarding issues such as farm organisation, investments, financial planning, risk management and marketing. Organic farmers will receive support for farm-specific queries concerning, amongst other things, cultivation, fertilisation and crop protection.

An eye for entrepreneurship

“Organic farming is a valuable and fully-fledged development path for farmers and horticulturalists in Limburg. It is good that the Province is supporting both existing organic farmers and those who are seriously considering making the switch. For the LLTB, however, it is important that organic farming suits the farmer, the farm, the local environment and the market. Prospects for all agricultural entrepreneurs remain central to our approach: organic, nature-inclusive, multifunctional and conventional”, says Susanne Görtz, board member of the Limburg Agricultural and Horticultural Association (LLTB).

“We welcome the Province of Limburg’s ambition to support and promote organic farming. As the BioLogisch Limburg association, we are keen to work together to achieve this. At the same time, growing sales are crucial: only with sufficient demand can our sector continue to grow sustainably”, says Bart Geraets, board member of BioLogisch Limburg.

Measures to promote organic farming

As well as providing support for both new and existing organic farms, the Organic Farming Incentive Scheme 2026–2030 offers a range of measures designed to double the area of organic farmland in Limburg.

• To boost sales of organic products, the Province is appointing an independent liaison officer. This person will work with local authorities, schools, healthcare institutions and businesses to better align supply and demand.
• Under the Province’s new catering tender, at least 15 per cent of the products purchased must be organic. That proportion is set to rise to 25 per cent.
• Limburg is contributing to the further development of the HAS Green Academy’s Masterclass in Organic Farming.
• Funding will be made available for practice-oriented research into, amongst other things, robotisation, automation and the control of diseases and pests.
• Biologisch Limburg is receiving support to strengthen its role as an advocate and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge amongst entrepreneurs.

Further information: read the Organic Farming Incentive Scheme 2026–2030