ANP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
In Limburg this year the government took over 25 farmers, for a total of 47 million euros. The Province made it known in a press release. Yesterday the MGA1 (“purchase to measure”) regime expired, according to which farmers could present themselves to the province to be taken over.
It is not yet known when a new regulation will be introduced. The closet plans announced last week for further nitrogen reductions, but these agreements have not yet entered into force.
According to the province, all 25 blocked farms are ‘spade loaders’, farms that emit a lot of nitrogen. In most cases these are pig farms. All 25 are located near Natura2000 areas, designated by the government as vulnerable natural areas.
Converted to nature
This year, €90 million was available for the province of Limburg for the voluntary buyout programme, so just over half of it was used. The purchased area will be converted into a nature reserve or will be assigned a function other than agriculture.
In a press release, Limburg MP Geert Gabriëls is satisfied with the result achieved, but is uncertain about how to proceed: “For example, we also want to stimulate the transition in agriculture and support farmers with good plans”. We also asked for resources in our letter to the minister. After all, an important task also requires good and extensive resources, and with the closure of the MGA1 there are currently no more concrete deals available. But ambitious goals.”
