Non-productive investments on farms Grant

About this grant

This RVO-administered subsidy, Niet-productieve investeringen op landbouwbedrijven (non-productive investments on agricultural holdings), co-funds non-profit investments by farmers and agricultural collectives that contribute to water and climate objectives. Projects must not generate profit for the applicant. Examples given include sowing herb-rich field margins and creating watercourses. For 2026 the scheme is open in Overijssel, in two windows (general applicants and agricultural collectives), and in Utrecht, for agricultural collectives. Overijssel's collective window also targets the foraging habitat of the black-tailed godwit (grutto) around core areas, reducing nitrogen pressure in a zone around Natura 2000 sites, and the material costs of agricultural nature and landscape management (ANLb), including plot preparation, predator damage prevention, implementation and monitoring. The subsidy covers 70% of eligible costs for investments in the water system, and 100% for other investments. Water-system investments that benefit only farmers are excluded. For projects under EUR 125,000 the applicant reports deliverables (deelprestaties) with linked subsidy amounts and proof methods instead of invoices. Advances of 50% are paid on approval, and interim payments are capped so that up to 90% is paid before final settlement. Applications are made through Mijn RVO with eHerkenning at assurance level 2+ (level 3 for Overijssel collectives). Projects must be on or adjacent to agricultural land and must contribute to sustainable natural resource use, reversing biodiversity loss, strengthening ecosystem services, or preserving habitats and landscapes. Applicants must obtain their own permits, and Overijssel imposes permit timing conditions. Decisions are made within 22 weeks of the closing date.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are agricultural collectives, agricultural organisations (landbouworganisaties), landscape management organisations (organisaties voor landschapsbeheer) and partnerships of farmers (samenwerkingsverbanden van landbouwers). In Overijssel, the general window is open to these applicant types, and the collectives window is open to agricultural collectives only. In Utrecht, only agricultural collectives may apply. Projects must take place on agricultural land or on land adjacent to it, such as a farmyard. The subsidy is for non-profit investments. Partnerships must appoint a lead applicant (penvoerder) and sign a cooperation agreement. The 2024 and 2025 editions covered Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht and Zuid-Holland, but the 2026 call covers only Overijssel and Utrecht. Applicants must hold the required eHerkenning level (2+, or 3 for Overijssel collectives).

How it's scored

An independent advisory committee assesses each project per province against four selection criteria: effectiveness, feasibility, urgency and efficiency. Applications are ranked by score, and the budget is allocated to the highest-scoring applications first. Panel composition beyond being independent is not specified.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must operate an agricultural holding located in Overijssel or Utrecht
• ✓Investments must be non-productive and contribute to water and climate objectives
• ✓Application window varies by province and should be checked with RVO

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) offer?

Non-productive investments on farms offers $11K.

Who can apply for Non-productive investments on farms?

Eligibility covers organisations in NL; sme. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Water funding covers supply, sanitation, wastewater treatment, water efficiency, catchment management and flood risk. A large share is public procurement for infrastructure and services, alongside grants for innovation and access in underserved areas. Bidders and applicants are typically assessed on technical capacity, operating experience and community impact.