This autumn it will be clear whether there is enough enthusiasm for an end to the one-off nitrogen regulation for polluting livestock farmers. This range of so-called peak loaders will open in April 2023 and in the autumn it will be clear whether the nitrogen targets will be met. “Otherwise, it will be with pain in the heart” for the coercion and forced takeover of the top-loaders, reports Nitrogen Minister Christianne van der Wal.
The Cabinet talks about a voluntary one-off peak load scheme, which should lead to a substantial reduction in nitrogen precipitation in the short term. “This allows nature to recover, PAS detectors can be legalized and there will be room for new economic developments.” Nothing has yet been disclosed about the extent of the buyout deal.
“Optimal support for entrepreneurs”
Minister Van der Wal: ‘The cabinet will sit down with business leaders to see how nitrogen emissions can be reduced. I understand that we are putting a big question on the table with these entrepreneurs, which can lead to concerns for the future. The national government will therefore do everything possible together with the provinces to optimally help and support these entrepreneurs in this process.’
With this, the cabinet is following Johan Remkes’ advice to “target and accelerate the reduction of nitrogen emissions from peak loads” in the short term. According to the Cabinet, this is a difficult message, but it is also the only way to target as few businesses as possible and prioritize PAS reporting to get a nature permit.
Help for PAS detectors
The cabinet is also allocating 250 million euros to legalize these PAS journalists. Under the old policy, these so-called PAS reporters could set up or expand their company with reporting alone, and therefore without permission. But that policy was declared illegitimate by the Council of State.
The government now talks about the failure of government policy, which has left many people in considerable uncertainty. Minister Van der Wal: “I understand that this does not eliminate the uncertainty of those affected, but the Cabinet is making every effort not to bring these people down.”
226 million
The government is still very unclear about the actual details and costs of the plans. Many of the plans to future-proof agriculture have yet to be worked out in the Agriculture Agreement. However, €226 million will be made available over two years for farmers who already want to become more sustainable.