Rural area transition
The agricultural sector is undergoing a major transition that will last for many years to come. The retirement of agricultural entrepreneurs and the disappearance of their businesses directly affects the farmers themselves, but also affects the region's business climate. The transformation of the agricultural sector this period is the flywheel for the transition of the entire rural area. Indeed, the transition of the agricultural sector requires the search for new economic carriers and invites the strengthening of spatial and ecological quality. It requires attention to economy, ecology and livability.
Environmental Vision
In order to give new economic and recreational developments in the outlying area a chance, the municipality has started the VAB Elsendorp Trial Garden. For entrepreneurs who choose a future in livestock farming, working in harmony with their environment is a requirement.
Careful husbandry
Gemert-Bakel wants to move towards careful livestock farming with support. The municipality facilitates the process to realize this. Structural nuisance does not fit in with this. If there is to be a future for livestock farming, trust must be restored. Dialogue between farmers and residents is an important key to achieving change. Trust comes when entrepreneurs invest in sustainability, safety and innovation. There are opportunities in the countryside but careful livestock farming must be given a face.
Careful dialogue
Because the municipality considers careful dialogue important and wants to encourage developers to do this properly, the municipality has drawn up ground rules for careful dialogue. Incidentally, these ground rules apply not only to initiatives in the agricultural sector, but also to other development plans, such as housing.
Launch support team for agricultural entrepreneurs
Agricultural entrepreneurs face all sorts of laws and regulations. The stoppers regulation, the provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance, a ban on fur farming or the national asbestos ban: these are just a few of the current laws and regulations that impact the future of the agricultural sector. Many agricultural entrepreneurs feel they are losing control of their own business. That is why the municipality of Gemert-Bakel has started a support team that helps agricultural entrepreneurs get a grip on their future.
Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to grow, expand, convert, become more sustainable or stop farming are always welcome at the support team. The question of the entrepreneur is always central. The task of this team is to guide agricultural entrepreneurs towards their future. The team consists of an environmentalist, spatial advisor, social service provider, provincial specialist and an agricultural business contact officer. This mix was deliberately chosen, because agricultural entrepreneurs will come to the municipality with a variety of questions on their way into the future.
First step: a good conversation about the future
The first step is a good conversation about the future. On the basis of a good conversation, the support team can help the entrepreneur better on his or her way. Such a conversation is always customized. Agricultural entrepreneurs can contact the agricultural business contact officer for a good conversation: johan.vandiepen@gemert-bakel.nl or call 06-41464239.