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Nearly 30 thousand contract workers in agriculture

In 2019, the volume of labour deployed in the Dutch agricultural sector was equivalent to over 156 thousand full-time jobs (FTEs).

Again more cattle grazing

The share of grazing cattle increased again last year, with 71 percent of the dairy herd grazing outdoors against 65 percent in 2016.

Organic farming grows in poultry and dairy sectors

Organic farming has grown in the past ten years.

Storage capacity for animal manure substantially increased

In 2007, 95 percent of dairy and pig farms in the Netherlands had provisions to store semi-liquid manure for six months or longer.

Turnover in dairy farming sector up

Dairy sector turnover has risen by 30 percent on average over the past three quarters

One quarter of farmers' wives are also full business partners

More and more farmers supplementing their income

Farmers have to pay fifty million euro levies for surplus manure

Stable share of female farmers

The share of women in agriculture fluctuates around one-third of the total number of persons employed in that sector.

More farmers generate income from supplementary activities

Non-agricultural activities like agro-tourism, nature conservation and care provision are becoming increasingly popular among farmers and market gardeners.

Highest agri-production by market gardeners

Same proportion of dairy cows in the pasture in 2012 as in 2011

Last year, 70 percent of dairy cows were grazed, approximately the same proportion as in 2011. In the period 2001-2011, the proportion declined by a few percent almost every year.

National cattle herd declining slightly

On 1 April 2019, the national bovine herd of the Netherlands stood at nearly 3.8 million.

More dairy cows in arable areas

Nearly 22 thousand small farmers in 2009

Last year, 30 percent of all agricultural and horticultural enterprises in the Netherlands were small-scale businesses.

Intensive livestock farmers grow more cereals

Again fewer cows and more goats

On 1 April 2018, there were nearly 4 million head of cattle in the Netherlands, a decline of over 178 thousand (4 percent) on one year previously.

Agricultural census; types of holdings, regional division

Number of holdings, crops, cattle and workers by type of holding (dsus) and regions

Pumpkin production: fewer patches, more exports

In 2018, one-quarter of the 754 ha of pumpkin cultivation area is in Flevoland province. The total pumpkin cultvation area has declined in most provinces. Pumpkin trade was slightly higher year-on-year...

Dairy goats more popular

Farmers better educated

Friesland has most cows

Less arable land, fewer arable farmers

Growing number of dairy cattle have no access to pasture

The provisional results of the 2012 Agricultural census show that the number of grazing dairy cattle has declined considerably from 90 percent in 2001 to 70 percent in 2011.

Dutch agriculture: increase in scale and lower incomes

The number of farms and horticultural businesses in the Netherlands decreased substantially in the period 1995-2009. Labour volume in this sector and agricultural income also fell.