Minister Adema’s plans were sent to the House shortly before the weekend, according to Akkerman the word ‘agricultural agreement’ can still be taken off the table. “Now it’s just a plan for the agricultural sector called ‘In Motion’. The 86-page document, excluding annexes, describes a €13.5 billion package of measures. “The largest part, 8.5 billion, was intended for the purchase of land and the transfer and closure of farms”. The main starting point of the whole plan is a reduction of the livestock population by 25-30% by 2035.
However, analyzes and calculations by, for example, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and Wageningen University are “quite critical of the plans,” says Akkerman. Based on the “vague texts” it could not be determined whether the plans would actually ensure the restoration of nature or the security of livelihoods for farmers. ‘For example, it’s not clear who will foot the bill if prices start to rise. And how do you manage the prices of the foreign farmers you have to compete with?’
No prospects
This is in line with the criticisms of LTO Nederland, the most important representative of the agricultural sector who decided to abandon the consultation on this basis. “They said these plans offered no prospects. You can see it in the stories of the institutes that have looked at Adema’s projects.
‘The opposition is over with Adema’
And so the Chamber is preparing for a vigorous confrontation with the Minister of Agriculture. “The opposition ended with Adema,” Akkerman says. “They had to wait months for an agreement, which never came. The talks took place behind closed doors.’
The cabinet itself is now expected to draw up final plans in September. Left-wing parties are particularly angry about the new delay. On the other hand, parties such as Caroline van der Plas’ BoerBurgerBeweging are critical of the draft agreement announced on Friday.’
Farmers’ protests
There is a possibility that the expected political fireworks inside the House of Representatives will also be visible outside the parliament building. Farmers Defense Force has called for new actions. “Maybe we’ll see tractors in the House of Representatives again.”
A further complicating factor is the consultation on the nitrogen agreements entered into, as foreseen in the coalition agreement. Initially, the intention was that it would be discussed before the summer. However, the CDA has indicated it does not want to start work on this until after the summer. «The agricultural agreement was also expected in this discussion. It has never happened and therefore the CDA does not deem it useful to talk about it now,’ explains Akkerman. This discussion is mainly about whether the deadline for nitrogen targets should be 2030 or 2035.
“The CDA is holding the country hostage”
According to Prime Minister Rutte, postponing this discussion is not very objectionable because the main goal is a 40% reduction in emissions by 2025. ‘On the other hand, things happen. Farmers can apply for a buyout program and provinces are making plans,’ says Akkerman.
Opposition parties, of course, differ, however, and mostly see the country as “hostage to the CDA,” as GroenLinks party chairman Jesse Klaver put it. «He does not understand that the other coalition parties simply accept him. This will also be reflected in Thursday’s debate.’