The Province of Utrecht Publishes the UPLG Response Memorandum

The Province of Utrecht has published the Response Memorandum to the Utrecht Rural Areas Program (UPLG). This document assesses the submitted comments, including those from Fedecom. In its submission, Fedecom drew attention to the implications of the UPLG for the agricultural technology sector, food production, and companies that contribute to making agriculture more sustainable through innovative technology.

The province has made several adjustments to the UPLG. For example, greater emphasis has been placed on food security, the outlook for agriculture has been elaborated in greater detail, the economic rationale has been strengthened, and the nitrogen measures concerning Natura 2000 areas have been postponed. The province also states that it will adapt the UPLG as necessary in the coming years in line with the further elaboration of the new national policy.

At the same time, Fedecom concerns remain. The main points of the UPLG remain unchanged, and the province still does not sufficiently recognize that the solutions to societal challenges actually come from innovative companies in the agricultural technology sector. Precision agriculture, robotization, low-emission technologies, and digitization play a crucial role in achieving the set goals, but the contribution of the companies that develop and implement this technology is barely reflected in the UPLG.

With the adoption of the UPLG, the focus now shifts to its implementation. Fedecom remains committed to a workable policy in which innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development are integral parts of the solution. In this regard, Fedecom will continue to closely monitor the further elaboration of the UPLG and the announced adjustments to the new national policy.