“We’re still quite far apart on a number of issues.” According to Adema, it is not a question of nitrogen, but of other important issues for farmers, such as the rules on manure and soil and agreements with supply chains such as supermarkets and feed companies. Incidentally, the lobby organization LTO has said it will not sign the deal if the nitrogen policy is not changed.
The Minister of Agriculture therefore seems to be anticipating a ‘negotiation result without a signature’. The chords will then “stay on the shelf, and then we’ll see what happens next.” However, his commitment is to reach an agreement. If there is indeed a negotiating result without the signature of some or all parties, the cabinet, farmers and other organizations can already start working on some points, according to Adema.