The Dutch government has unveiled a 25 billion-euro plan to radically reduce livestock in a country struggling with livestock manure.
The deal to buy the farmers’ business in a bid to reduce nitrogen pollution has been under discussion for some time and was finally confirmed following an agreement on a new coalition government in the Netherlands earlier this week, the Guardian reported.
However, the plan is facing strong opposition from farmers, who have staged major protests in recent years over austerity regulations and the purchase of farms. They fear that too many farmers will be forced to give up their livelihoods, which will cause permanent damage to food production.
Although the Netherlands is known as the “small country that feeds the world” and is the largest meat exporter in Europe, it is struggling at home with the pollution crisis caused by too much farm animal waste.
The country has the highest livestock density in Europe – with a total of over 100 million cattle, chickens and pigs. Animals produce manure, which, when mixed with urine, releases ammonia – a nitrogen compound. If it gets into lakes and streams through runoff from farms, excessive amounts of nitrogen can damage sensitive natural habitats.
The 13-year plan includes paying compensation to livestock farmers to relocate or give up the industry, and helping others to switch to less livestock and more land. It will start as a voluntary program, and farmers who have been offered to close their businesses will be compensated.
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