ANP
–
NOS News•today, 11:19•Amended today, 13:31
—
Johan Remkes will act as a mediator in the discussions between farmers and the cabinet about the nitrogen plans. The 71-year-old VVD member will start preparations on 13 July and the dialogue will start in the second half of August, the Ministry of Agriculture reports.
–
“The appointment of an independent moderator is important to gain a better understanding of each other’s concerns and emotions,” the ministry said. Friday the cabinet announced that there would be a mediator to get the conversation started with the farmers. Especially in the vicinity of nature reserves, many farms will have to stop according to the cabinet plans.
–
Remkes familiar with nitrogen file
VVD member Remkes has a long track record as a director. He was, for example, deputy prime minister, minister, state secretary, king’s commissioner, acting mayor and information officer. He also led the Advisory Board on Nitrogen Problems.
–
In that role he expressed serious criticism in 2020 on the then government plans. At the time, the council’s urgent advice was not to reduce nitrogen emissions by 26 percent by 2030, as the cabinet initially wanted, but by 50 percent, which has now also become the target.
–
Farmers very skeptical
Farmers’ organizations are skeptical about Remkes’ appointment. The moderate LTO calls him an “administrative heavyweight with deep knowledge of the nitrogen dossier” and is in principle open to a discussion, but the LTO does want discussion about the cabinet goals and the timeline. Prime Minister Rutte has already said that these are not up for discussion.
–
The more activist groups Agractie and FDF have little to say about the cabinet’s choices. According to Agractie, Remkes does not enjoy confidence in the sector and calls it a nonsensical choice. Farmers Defense Force also sees no point in dialogue as long as the nitrogen plans remain in place. Vice-chairman Jos Ubels tells the ANP that he does not want to sit down with Remkes “for piet snot”.
–
Hooks and eyes
Experts point out that mediation in the nitrogen problem can have advantages, but that the cabinet isdon’t think too lightly† One of the critical questions that arise is what exactly is mediated about, since Prime Minister Rutte said “we are honest with each other that the speed and objectives are not up for discussion”.
–
—
