Problem addressed
In the lowland peat areas around Amsterdam and Utrecht, farmers face mounting pressure from climate change, soil subsidence, biodiversity loss, and shifting societal expectations around sustainable food production. Traditional intensive dairy farming models struggle to remain economically viable while responding to demands for nature-friendly practices and climate resilience. At the same time, rural communities need new perspectives that keep farms economically sound, landscapes attractive, and environmental impacts in check for future generations. Fragmented initiatives and limited on-farm experimentation slow the transition towards more resilient agricultural systems. Wij.land addresses this challenge by creating a learning and innovation environment with farmers and partners, aiming to transform the landscape into a resilient, nature-inclusive system that works for both people and nature in the long term.
Innovative solution
Wij.land works hand in hand with farmers as landscape stewards, supporting them to experiment with and adopt nature-driven farming practices. Through practical pilots on topics such as herb-rich grassland, sustainable soil management, water and climate measures, and biodiversity enhancement, farmers can test what works in real-life business conditions. The organisation builds a learning network that connects farmers, ecologists, scientists and other stakeholders, enabling knowledge exchange and co-creation of solutions tailored to the peat meadow context. By “learning by doing”, Wij.land uses concrete on-farm experiences as leverage for wider system change in agriculture and land use. Communication, farm visits and shared tools help translate innovations into actionable steps for more farms, gradually embedding circular, climate-resilient practices in mainstream agricultural thinking.
Key results and benefits
Wij.land has built a steadily growing group of participating farmers in the peat meadow areas around Amsterdam and Utrecht, creating a strong community committed to change. Pilots on herb-rich grassland, soil health, animal feed and biodiversity deliver practical evidence that more nature-inclusive management can go hand in hand with viable farm operations. Farmers gain new skills, knowledge and confidence to invest in resilient practices, while the landscape benefits from improved biodiversity, better soil structure and more climate-conscious water management. The broader public and regional partners gain insight into the real costs and benefits of transition in dairy farming, supporting more informed policy and investment decisions. Through its network approach, Wij.land strengthens cooperation between farmers and experts, helping embed sustainability in everyday rural practice.
Potential for mainstreaming
Wij.land’s practice-based approach demonstrates how working with farmers as landscape managers can accelerate the transition towards climate-resilient, nature-inclusive agriculture in peat regions and beyond. The model of piloting, monitoring and openly sharing lessons offers significant potential for replication in other rural areas facing similar ecological and economic pressures. Insights into the costs and benefits of transition in dairy farming can inform regional, national and EU policies, including funding and incentive schemes that reward ecosystem services and regenerative practices. By building long-term partnerships with farmers, scientists and civil society, Wij.land helps anchor innovative practices in mainstream agricultural advisory and value-chain structures. The growing farmer network around Amsterdam and Utrecht provides a concrete example of how landscape-scale collaboration can support just and sustainable rural development.
