The world’s first floating dairy farm in The Netherlands is up for sale with its owners blaming red tape for the closure.
Floating Farm was opened in Rotterdam port in 2019 as a means to produce food close to consumers and without relying on traditional farmland.
The three-storey floating structure was the brainchild of Peter and Minke van Wingerden who invested €4m in the project which produces milk, yoghurt and cheese
It houses 28 cows and is fully self-contained with automated milking facilities, manure management and a processing site. Dairy processing and cheese ripening take place within the same structure as the livestock operation.
Floating dairy farm at risk
But around two years ago, the floor of the farm designed to minimise emissions started to bulge causing problems for both the cows and a robotic scraper.
The owners bought a new one manufactured in Germany which was not certified in the Netherlands. While they assumed their checks to ensure emissions were still within legal limits would make it acceptable, this proved not to be the case and the local environment agency imposed sanctions.
After a failed appeal, the farm could face fines up to €24k if inspectors show up three times – a risk its owners are unwilling to take. “We could file a further appeal, but we have little confidence that it would succeed,” said Minke.
On top of this, the farm’s right to remain in the port expires will expire at the start of 2028 and the van Wingerdens understand permission will not be renewed.
The future of the Floating Farm
The Port of Rotterdam told RTV Rijnmond Floating Farm was always intended as a temporary initiative and received a 10-year exemption. The port authority said it does not believe a dairy farm is an appropriate long-term fit for an industrial port.
The future of Floating Farm is still uncertain. While it is up for sales and there is interest in the floating barn from international buyers, it could also be relocated elsewhere in the Netherlands.
The structure can move although it needs infrastructure including electricity, potable water, drainage, wastewater arrangements, road access, feed delivery, milk processing approval, and a suitable route for finished products.