Surge in Agricultural Auctions in the Netherlands Continues

Troostwijk Auctions sees rise in online auctions amid major sector developments

Online auctions in the agricultural sector are growing at a rapid pace. In 2024, the number of online auctions rose by 30 percent compared to 2023, according to Troostwijk Auctions. This upward trend has continued into 2025, with a 21% increase in auctions in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2024. Stricter regulations, economic pressure, and uncertainty about the future are the main reasons behind the rise in business closures.

The agricultural sector in the Netherlands experiences relatively few bankruptcies. Most auctions at Troostwijk Auctions are voluntary. “The notion that auctions only occur in case of bankruptcy is outdated’’, says Arjan Averink, account manager with a special focus on the agricultural market. In 2023, there were 189 voluntary auctions in the sector at Troostwijk Auctions. In 2024, this number increased to 250, this growth is continuing in 2025, with an 11% rise in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

Uncertainty and pressure in the agricultural sector
In recent years, more and more Dutch agricultural entrepreneurs have decided to shut down their businesses, driven by a combination of stricter regulations, economic pressure, and uncertainty about the future. The government's nitrogen policy is forcing many agricultural entrepreneurs to make drastic measures. Low output prices, combined with rising costs for energy, fertilizers, and animal feed, are putting significant pressure on margins, making it especially difficult for smaller businesses to stay afloat.

Social and psychosocial pressure
In addition to financial considerations, psychosocial pressure also plays a significant role. Averink: “Public scrutiny of the agricultural sector is intensifying, particularly over concerns about nitrogen emissions. On top of that, stricter regulations around animal welfare and crop protection make operations more complex and costly.”

As a result, many agricultural entrepreneurs feel increasingly pressured. The government also offers buy-out schemes, which make stopping more financially attractive than continuing for some farmers. 1,700 livestock farmers have signed up for the buy-out scheme.

Lack of business succession
For many agricultural entrepreneurs, quitting is the only option. “We see a growing number of farmers selling their business assets through auctions to stay organized as they wrap up their operations. Especially in regions where environmental measures have a significant impact, the number of auctions is rising rapidly. This shows just how uncertain the future is for many agricultural entrepreneurs,” says Averink.

Another key factor is that fewer young people are choosing to take over family farms, opting instead for careers outside agriculture. “The high workload, strict regulations, and uncertainty about the future are major obstacles for potential successors. This results in more and more farmers ending or selling their businesses, steadily reducing the total number of agricultural companies,” concludes Averink.

Auctioning as a smart solution for unused inventory
Auctioning doesn’t always go hand in hand with business closure. It can also be a strategic choice, as seen with tractor specialist Koop van der Wal. “During our warehouse move, we discovered items unused for five years—and unlikely to be needed in the next five. We want to renovate our facility and pay out part of the profit. Auctioning is the perfect solution for us to sell everything at once and create financial breathing room,” says Willem van der Wal.

What gets auctioned and where does it go?
A wide range of agricultural assets are auctioned, from heavy machinery to complete farm inventories. Common items include tractors, loaders, attachments, and tools. Around 60% of auctioned items remain in the Netherlands, while the rest goes abroad, with Belgium as the largest buyer, followed by Germany and countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. In total, Troostwijk Auctions reaches buyers in 175 countries.