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- January 28, 2026

The Draft Utrecht Rural Area Program (UPLG)

The Draft Utrecht Rural Area Program (UPLG)

Fedecom will submit its opinion

The Netherlands is in lockdown. It’s no surprise that everyone wants this situation resolved as quickly as possible. Doing nothing is no longer an option.

Prior to the formation of the new cabinet, LTO Nederland, NAJK, IPO, the Union of Water Boards, and the VNG presented the framework document. This document has been met with strong criticism, some of which is understandable. At the same time, various provinces are charting their own course, often going well beyond what was agreed upon in the framework document. This is noteworthy, especially since the Interprovincial Consultation (IPO) signed the document.

Province of Utrecht: Proposed Measures

In the province of Utrecht, the area plan is now on the table. It includes, among other things, the following proposed measures:

  • the purchase of farms in the vicinity of Natura 2000 areas;
  • raising the water level (to an average of 40 cm below ground level in the summer) in the peat meadow area, including clay on peat;
  • the establishment of 250-meter buffer zones around six Natura 2000 sites, where nitrogen fertilization is strictly limited;
  • and the purchase of agricultural parcels and their conversion into nature reserves to strengthen the Dutch Nature Network (NNN).

Impact on business owners in rural areas

These measures also mean a significant loss of revenue for our members, partly due to the loss of customers and growing uncertainty about the future. Just as is the case for farmers, relocating operations is often not a realistic option for our members.

Fedecom Statement of Views

Fedecom will submit a statement of opinion to the Province of Utrecht. In it, we will explicitly highlight the consequences for the business climate, employment, and broader societal impacts. We will also draw attention to the possibility that our members may seek compensation for losses or planning damages, as this does not constitute a normal business risk.

If you are an entrepreneur based in the province of Utrecht, you also have the opportunity to submit your comments. You can do so through February 16, 2026.

The draft UPLG is available for review on the Omgevingsloket website.