DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE REVITALISED

After the swine fever epidemic, the new manure laws and the low profits in the pig breeding branch and a reconstruction law to reform the over extensive cattle breeding in The Netherlands many farmers decide to step out of the business. They change their farms into riding schools, luxury hotels and even into a playgrounds for children.

Two years ago the Dutch Lower House took on a so-called Reconstruction law to steer the agricultural reforms in the right direction. Eventually the law was introduced to restrict the health risks and economical effects of the animal epidemics. But in some regions in the South of The Netherlands the objectives were seriously broadened to vitalise the entire countryside.

The most eye-catching measure is the removal of the intensive cattle farm from natural reserves and small villages to especially appointed development zones where all farmers get more freedom for further development. The region is reorganised to create more balance between nature, housing and business. According to an official the reconstruction is a lot more than just move some farms: ‘It is the largest development planning project in the last 100 years. The project is far more far-reaching than the land consolidation. At the time only farmers were affected now it concerns all citizens.'

One region is appointed as a special test region. Here around 50 projects are set up to strengthen the social-economical structure of the country side. The authorities wants to concentrate more on recreation and tourism. Historical farms are renovated and traditional vegetation is reintroduced and farms are changed into social centres and care institutes were handicapped will run little farm shops. Inhabitants are stimulated to come up with ideas for the social and economical reinforcement of the countryside. According to an employee of a specially appointed development bureau the reconstruction plan completely changes the atmosphere. A new élan is noticeable.

A farmer in one of the agricultural regions in the South is very happy he decided to step out of the pig breeding business. Where four years ago 180 sows were producing many more piglets, now the screaming of pre-schoolers can be heard who jump around in the ‘balls-bath' and on the gigantic inflatable mattress. The ex-pig breeder does not regret the decision to change at all: ‘I am an entrepreneur and it does not really matter if I breed pigs, chickens or mushrooms. Now I organise children's parties.' He just finish constructing a go-kart race track and he dreaming about setting up a camping site for children.

Especially in the pig breeding branch a huge change is noticeable throughout The Netherlands. Sic years ago one of the traditional pig breeding regions in the South still counted 23 thousand agricultural companies, now it is only 16 thousand and it is expected that this number will decrease to 10 thousand in the year 2010. more features

October 21, 2004