Agricultural climate adaptation and innovation in Benelux

Agricultural sectors in the Netherlands and Belgium are implementing various initiatives to address climate-related challenges and foster innovation.

In Zeeland, authorities and the municipality of Borsele are addressing drought and water scarcity. Borsele has introduced a ‘kansenkaart’ (opportunity map) to help farmers identify water storage options based on soil and groundwater conditions. Additionally, the province of Zeeland has allocated 3.3 million euros in subsidies to support the construction of freshwater basins, covering up to 40 percent of project costs to help farmers store rainwater for irrigation.

In Antwerp and Limburg, efforts are focused on research and technological advancement. Antwerp has established a partnership to invest 100,000 euros annually into horticultural research, specifically targeting issues like water scarcity, soil quality, and pests. In Limburg, the province and the European Union are providing 2.685 million euros through two schemes: one for knowledge transfer via workshops and another for developing new technologies and business models to ensure long-term profitability.