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Why is the world’s first floating dairy farm closing?
Floating Farm in Rotterdam has been put up for sale after its owners became embroiled in a regulatory dispute over a replacement emissions-reducing floor that was not certified for use in the Netherlands, despite meeting environmental performance requirements.

What is Floating Farm?
Launched in 2019, the €4m project was designed to demonstrate how food could be produced closer to consumers without relying on traditional farmland. The three-storey floating facility houses dairy cows, automated milking systems, manure management technology and on-site dairy processing.

Why does it matter?
Floating Farm became an internationally recognised example of urban agriculture and climate-resilient food production. Its closure highlights the challenges innovative food systems can face when regulations struggle to keep pace with new technologies and business models.

What happens next?
The farm is being marketed for sale and has attracted international interest. While it could potentially be relocated elsewhere in the Netherlands, any new site would require significant infrastructure and regulatory approvals to support dairy production and processing.