We provide you with a brief overview of what has been clearly confirmed in the new Royal Decree. These measures are retroactively applicable from 1 January 2024 and are valid for an indefinite period.
Extension of the number of days of occasional work
The maximum number of days of occasional work has been increased to:
- 100 days in all production sectors of horticulture
- 50 days in agriculture
This now also applies to temporary employees, which was not the case before.
Special scheme for livestock farming
The new Royal Decree also introduces a special scheme for enterprises with the main activity 'livestock farming' or 'mixed farm' (NACE code 01.4 or 01.5). This concerns activities related to the breeding of animals, such as dairy cattle, cattle, sheep, horses, and other animals.
In these enterprises, 100 half days (instead of 50 full days) of occasional work may be performed.
This scheme applies in the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.
The 2023 Royal Decree had introduced this special scheme until 31 December 2025. At the request of the sector, it is now extended until 31 December 2026 and will be evaluated at the end of this year.
Abolition of specific rules for chicory and fruit cultivation
In the 2023 Royal Decree, the specific arrangements for chicory and fruit cultivation were already abolished. This is confirmed again in the new Royal Decree.
These sectors therefore follow the general scheme of 100 days.
The specific daily lump sum for chicory cultivation was abolished by the Royal Decree of 21 March 2024. This abolition is confirmed and therefore remains applicable in the new Royal Decree.
Also read: "Extension of occasional work in agriculture and horticulture"
Adjustments to daily lump sums
For occasional work, the calculation of social security contributions is based on daily lump sums. The following adjustments from 2023 are kept in the new Royal Decree:
- Reduction of daily lump sums in agriculture
- Introduction of daily lump sums for flower and fruit cultivation
Also read: "Agriculture and horticulture: support measures for occasional work in 2023"
Indexation of daily lump sums
From 1 January 2026, the daily lump sums will be indexed annually on 1 January, in the same way as wages in the sector.
The daily lump sums will automatically follow the increases of the national GMMI (guaranteed minimum monthly income). For example, the daily lump sums were adjusted on 1 April 2026 following the increase of the GMMI by 35.70 euros.
What does Securex do for you ?
A complete overview of occasional work in the agriculture and horticulture sector can be found in our
file on Lex4You.
Do you have questions about these measures? Do not hesitate to contact your Securex Legal Advisor via myHR@securex.be.
