If a land fund is established, the land in that fund must remain in the hands of farmers, believes LTO Nederland. In addition, the use of the land must remain agricultural.
–
In doing so, LTO is responding to a plan by outgoing agricultural minister Carola Schouten for a trial with a land fund in the context of the nitrogen approach. The fund can be used to purchase land near Natura 2000 areas. According to the minister, this land can be used again for, for example, strengthening nature or extensification of agricultural land.
The Fund will come into effect as soon as the first tranche of the National cessation scheme for livestock farming (Lbv) is executed. Agricultural land is not taken into account in the scheme, but the minister does want a ‘right of first negotiation’ for agricultural land that becomes available in a zone of 500 meters around the Natura 2000 areas.
Not charmed
LTO Nederland is happy that agricultural land falls outside the Lbv, but is not charmed by the right of first purchase. ‘It cannot therefore be the case that these lands are automatically converted to nature and, for example, depreciated’, says Trienke Elshof, portfolio holder Countryside & Environment at LTO Nederland.
It cannot be the case that these lands are automatically converted to nature and, for example, depreciated
–
–
Schouten also announced that from the second tranche of the Targeted Purchase Measure (MGO) the stoppers statement will expire. The MGO is the purchase arrangement for peak loaders by provinces. Livestock farmers who want to participate in this may, subject to certain conditions, take over a company elsewhere, provided that an emission reduction is achieved there. Previously, there was talk of a professional ban.
Don’t lose sight of the goal
LTO Nederland believes that the schemes can contribute to a solution to the nitrogen problem, but warns that the goal should not be lost sight of, namely the reduction of nitrogen deposition on Natura 2000 areas and not something else.
‘Cost-effectiveness is a key word here’, says Trienke Elshof, portfolio holder Countryside & Environment at LTO Nederland. ‘That also means that remediation must go hand in hand with innovation. This brings the target into view more quickly, but PAS detectors can also be quickly legalized with the nitrogen space released.’
Move
In addition, according to Elshof, the basis of the schemes must always be and remain voluntary. ‘There can be no question of forced purchase. Fortunately, the MGO is looking at the possibilities of relocating companies instead of terminating them. That should be the case at the Lbv too.’
LTO Nederland also has concerns about maintaining sufficient critical mass of sectors, which is necessary for maintaining employment, innovation and financing of collective activities. The poultry sector is therefore arguing, for example, for a maximum number of poultry rights that can be withdrawn from the market via the Lbv.
LTO also wants to keep part of the rights of the acquired companies available in the Lbv for other livestock farmers, including young farmers. Elshof: ‘It prevents rights from becoming expensive for those who stay. That has a positive effect on the sectors and ensures that there is room to invest in sustainability.’
– .
