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Multifunctional farming is making more and more money

The popularity of multifunctional farms (MFL), such as care farms, campsites and farm shops, continues to grow. Meanwhile, over a third (37%) of Dutch farmers and gardeners combine agricultural activities with care farming, childcare, farm education or farm sales. In addition, between 2020 and 2023, turnover will increase from €1 billion to €1.6 billion. This is according to the research series 'Look at multifunctional agriculture' by Wageningen Social & Economic Research commissioned by the Ministry of LVVN.

"Multifunctional agriculture continues to grow and be professionalized," says Bart Pijnenburg, chairman of the Multifunctional Agriculture trade group at LTO Netherlands. "Farmers and horticulturists can not only generate extra income by expanding: side branches offer a great way to respond to the wishes of the surrounding area and therefore stay connected."

Growth in MFL entrepreneurs
Multifunctional agriculture offers a serious earning model for farmers and horticulturists. Almost 4 in 10 (37%) farmers and gardeners are MFL entrepreneurs; almost 20% more than in 2020. MFL entrepreneurs make a major social contribution, enhance the quality of life in the countryside and are of great economic value.

Farm sales are again the biggest
Farm sales are the largest activity with €595 million annual turnover, followed by care farming (€450 million) and recreation (€362 million). The recreation sector has recovered well after the coronavirus pandemic. After a sharp 35% drop in turnover in 2020, it more than doubled again in 2023 compared to 2020.

The growth in turnover is attributed to several factors: the addition of new activities such as direct ornamental sales, higher rates due to inflation and increased demand for recreation, local products and professional care services.

MFL platform
To cash in on the potential of multifunctional agriculture, remove bottlenecks and create development space, the Platform MFL has been established under the chairmanship of Bart Pijnenburg of LTO Nederland. Represented in it are municipalities, provinces, the Ministry of LVVN, the Netherlands Bankers' Association, agricultural accountants, owners of (farm) estates, Wageningen UR and the National Advisor for the Physical Living Environment.

Source: LTO Nederland

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