More than half of farmers supplement their incomes

More than half of agricultural and horticultural enterprises in the Netherlands generated revenues in 2010 by expanding their range of activities or accepting a job not related to their own enterprise. This applies in particular to small farmers.

Supplemetary incomes

There were more than 72 thousand agricultural and horticultural enterprises in the Netherlands in 2010. In 52 percent of cases, farmers supplemented their incomes for example by selling products directly to consumers, offering storage facilities or by accepting a job outside their own enterprise.

Agricultural and horticultural enterprises with additional revenues by standard yield, 2010

Small farmers more often seek to supplement their income

Small agricultural and horticultural farmers more often earn additional incomes than their larger counterparts. Nearly 60 percent of small farmers (i.e. with an annual standard yield between 25 thousand and 100 thousand euro) generated additional incomes versus only 20 percent of large agricultural and horticultural farms with an annual standard yield exceeding 3 million euro. The smallest farms, with a standard yield below 25 thousand euro, less often have additional incomes.

Few greenhouse farmers have additional incomes

The proportion of agricultural and horticultural farmers with additional incomes varies considerably by sector. The lowest proportion (27 percent in 2010) is recorded among greenhouse farmers, but in sheep, goat and horse farming, the proportion is nearly 60 percent.

Agricultural and horticultural farmers with additional revenues by type of enterprise, 2010

Highest additional income earners are middle-aged

Nearly two thirds of 25 to 55-year-old farmers have paid jobs alongside farming or generate additional incomes by expanding their range of activities. Partners account for more than a quarter of these activities. Farmers over the age of 55 and their partners less often have additional incomes. Their education level is often lower and as a result their chances finding additional jobs are poor.

Highest additional incomes agricultural and horticultural enterprises by age, 2010

Cor Pierik and Wim de Rooij