Multifunctional agriculture doubles turnover

Over the past five years, the Dutch turnover of multifunctional agriculture (MFL) has doubled. In 2018, the turnover was 887 million euros. As much as 25% (13,500) of the total number of agricultural businesses in the Netherlands are active in the sector.

Care farm largest increase in sales

In addition to arable farming, horticulture or cattle breeding, many Dutch farmers specialize in social activities such as care farming, childcare, farm education, farm sales, nature management and/or recreation. Especially farm sales make the most turnover with 271 million euros, followed by care farming (250 million euros) and recreation (221 million euros). Childcare (78 million euros) and nature management (66 million) also do well. The largest increase was seen in care agriculture, which achieved 155 million euros more in turnover with 15% more care farms.

Platform Multifunctional Agriculture

The MFL farmers are represented by the LTO trade group Multifunctional Agriculture. Together with the LNV the organization wants to increase the potential of the MFL farmers by removing bottlenecks and creating more room for development. As of today the ministry establishes the Platform Multifunctional Agriculture.

Source: New Harvest