Climate costs agriculture 1 to 2 billion euros

The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) released the calculation of the climate plans on Wednesday 13 March. To achieve the planned CO₂reduction targets, the agricultural sector must allocate between €2030 and €1 billion up to 2.

The agricultural sector is these calculations very little mentioned and therefore not at all specific. A total of 11 megatons of CO . must be produced in the next 48,7 years₂ are saved, but that saving is largely not at the expense of agriculture. A reduction of 1,8 to 4,6 megatons is expected for this sector, where the target is 3,5 megatons.

The PBL calculated that the CO₂savings for the agricultural sector in the coming decade will cost between €0,9 and €1,8 billion. There is almost no mention of concrete measures. The biggest savings come from industry. A reduction of 14,3 megatons must be achieved there, with the PBL already indicating that this will most likely not be achieved. Another probability is the arrival of CO₂levies for these companies.

Methane and nitrous oxide emissions
For livestock farming, the methane and nitrous oxide emissions are sometimes mentioned. These are expected to be reduced by 0,7 to 1,8 megatons. This is done through existing programmes, such as investing in low-emission barns (Vamil/MIA). In addition, it becomes buy up the pig rights in order to shrink the pig population and reduce emissions. As a side note, the PBL does mention that this emission reduction is largely dependent on the incentive schemes.

The item 'land use' focuses mainly on the rewetting of the peat meadow area† In land use, a saving of between 0,3 and 1 megaton is considered possible. According to the planning office, more forest and nature reserves contribute to emission reductions.

Cost allocation
The cost item to almost €2 billion (maximum €40 million per year) mainly arises from the barn modifications, the feeding measures and the construction of manure fermentation installations. With €600 to €800 million, the largest bill goes to greenhouse horticulture.

However, the PBL remains vague about detailed plans for agriculture. In their own words, this is because a new manure policy and the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) affect the plans.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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