A farmers' perspective on farm relocation: lessons learnt from relocated farmers in Belgium and The Netherlands

Farm relocation is applied in numerous spatial planning processes, including the conversion of agricultural land for nature development or urbanization. In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative study on farm relocation. With the aim of identifying main problems and success factors related to farm relocations, we performed in-depth interviews with relocated farmers in the Netherlands and in the region of Flanders, Belgium. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study looking at the farmers’ perspective on relocation that includes farmers from different planning projects and countries. Using grounded theory, we were able to identify factors that determine the perceived success or failure of farm relocation, subdivided into five categories: (1) farmer and firm; (2) financial aspects; (3) process; (4) old location; and (5) new location. Insights gathered in this study might guide spatial planners towards effective use of farm relocation in different planning contexts.