One in five Dutch farmers and growers facing structural financial uncertainty, survey finds

One in five agricultural entrepreneurs in the Netherlands reports frequently or constantly worrying about the financial future and continuity of their business. This is according to a member survey conducted by Dutch agricultural organization LTO Noord among more than a thousand farmers and growers. The concerns are largely structural rather than acute, centered on access to financing, investment capacity, and long-term prospects. Growers in the greenhouse horticulture sector in particular cite rising labor and energy costs as key pressures.

Financial worries: mainly about the future
While only a small share of respondents is currently dealing with immediate problems such as debt restructuring or payment arrears, one third express concern about the longer term. Nearly a quarter say they lack sufficient resources to invest in the future of their business. A significant group also worries about whether they will be able to transfer a financially healthy business to a successor.

Many members indicate having experienced financial difficulties in the past, including trouble paying business bills or periods of special bank supervision.

More financial concerns among younger entrepreneurs
The level of financial stress is closely linked to the stage of the business. Pressure is greatest among young entrepreneurs who are looking to take over a farm or are in the middle of a takeover. Younger operators more frequently report difficulty arranging financing, constraints on investment, and uncertainty about the financial future. Experiences with payment problems or the risk of debt restructuring are also more common in this group.

Concerns affect private life
Financial concerns extend beyond the business. Nearly six in ten agricultural entrepreneurs say they have experienced mental stress due to their financial situation in the past five years. Daily life and social relationships are also affected: 44% report that work, family, or household life has suffered as a result of financial worries, and more than a third reduced their participation in social activities due to financial stress.

Talking about financial concerns
One in five agricultural entrepreneurs says they do not talk about financial worries. This group often considers the subject private or uncomfortable. Other barriers include fear of not being taken seriously as a business owner, the perceived cost of seeking help or advice, and a lack of people in their immediate circle to turn to. Some indicate they have no clear idea of where to find support.

Greenhouse growers relatively gloomy
Overall, the majority of farmers and growers still view the financial future of their business positively. However, the picture varies considerably by sector. Optimism is highest in poultry and veal production. Sentiment in dairy and arable farming is more moderate. In fruit growing, greenhouse horticulture, and pig farming, a relatively large share of entrepreneurs takes a negative view of the future, according to LTO Noord.

Entrepreneurship under pressure
In open-ended responses, agricultural entrepreneurs describe financial concerns primarily as part of the wider challenges of running a business. Frequently mentioned are regulatory pressure, the absence of a stable business model, and a perceived lack of flexibility in financing arrangements. These factors significantly shape how entrepreneurs experience their financial position and outlook.

“Farmers and growers work every day for the Netherlands — producing food, maintaining green spaces, and keeping the countryside livable. It is therefore unacceptable that so many agricultural entrepreneurs face structural financial concerns,” said Meindert Talma, board member of LTO Noord. Fellow board member Helma Vermuë added: “This survey shows that financial concerns among farmers and growers are often not an acute crisis, but a persistent uncertainty that puts pressure on investment decisions and future choices — particularly for young and starting entrepreneurs. What is needed is room to build new business models, and a financial partner who does not only assess risk, but also engages constructively on opportunities, risks, and long-term prospects.”

LTO Noord will use the full survey results to inform discussions with government and banks, and to further develop support for agricultural entrepreneurs.

A factsheet with key figures and quotes can be viewed here.