Farmer representatives in seven provinces withdrew from the consultations on reducing nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands (the area-oriented approach).
The farmers’ representatives do not feel heard by Minister Van der Wal of Nature and Nitrogen. They think the talks are too much about buying out farms now and too little about the long-term perspective for companies that stay. According to them, it is not clear how these farmers should become more sustainable.
Earlier this month, Minister Van der Wal set the course for buyout of farmers, in which she wants to give more money to farmers who voluntarily quit their farms. These plans only increased uncertainty for agricultural entrepreneurs, say the farmers’ representatives.
‘Cabinet must move’
“It is unclear what our future looks like and how we can do it well and even better. This is not discussed at all in the minister’s approach,” says Bart Kemp of farmers’ action group Agractie.
The first to withdraw from the meeting was LTO Overijssel† This led to a chain reaction in provinces with many farmers, such as Friesland, Drenthe and Gelderland. Negotiators from farmers’ interest groups (LTO, DDB, POV, NMV and FDF) withdrew.
A large number of representatives and delegates of the nitrogen consultation held emergency consultations in Soest this week. They believe that the cabinet must ‘move’ to make the process a success, otherwise there is a risk of further delay.
Political support for farmers
The farmers are supported in their criticism by the provinces of Overijssel and Utrecht.
“Perspective for farmers who want to continue is not made concrete in the policy. That is disappointing,” says a spokesperson for the Province of Overijssel. “And that while they crave clarity. Farmers are important, no one knows the areas as well as they do. That’s why it’s important to talk to them instead of about them.”
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