Water authority no longer makes mowing paths available

Conclusion following the evaluation

The executive board of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority this conclusion after evaluating the pilot program that began last year. The regulations the Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO) have since been tightened. This means that individual user agreements are now required. This process consumes a significant amount of time and resources and does not sufficiently outweigh the benefits for the water authority. 

The intended win-win situation

The main benefit for the water authority in being able to use farmers’ land (with authorisation) to perform maintenance on the water authority watercourses . This would allow for the use of wider (and safer) equipment. The pilot showed that only a few farmers granted authorisation this, meaning the added value for the water authority was water authority limited. Farmers who took advantage of the scheme were allowed water authority mowing paths as landscape features to qualify for subsidies for sustainable and future-proof agriculture provided by the RVO. 

Consequences of the new situation

When the pilot began in March 2023, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) considered a verbal agreement to be sufficient. With the tightening of regulations , agreements regulations now be made with each individual farmer regarding compensation for the use of the mowing paths. This must involve a demonstrable consideration that goes beyond legal requirements. In addition, it is necessary to assess whether the use of the mowing paths constitutes state aid.
Making, reporting, enforcing, evaluating, and developing all these individual agreements requires too much time and capacity.

Possible sequel

However, water authority will work with the sector to explore potential options for 2025 and beyond within the framework of current regulations.