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Schouten: 'We are definitely taking steps'
In the 'Animals in Livestock Farming' consultation, Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) promised to present further measures in December to reduce the number of barn fires. She also announced that the 'Remkes Committee', which conducts research into nitrogen emissions, will issue its first advice in the second half of September.
From the speaker round of the general consultation 'Animals in livestock farming', it appears that there is criticism of the progress of Schouten's agricultural vision (also known as a circular vision). "All the plans that I have heard so far are suspiciously similar to the implementation of 'Sustainable Livestock Farming'. We have given more orders as a result," said Tjeerd de Groot (D66).
Schouten states in a response that work is indeed being done on the transition to circular agriculture. "For example, the scheme for the reorganization of the pig farm can be approved at any time. This depends on Brussels. In addition, a system that has been built in 100 years cannot be deployed within 1 year."
'Less livestock around nature reserve'
Nitrogen emissions in the agricultural sector were a much-discussed theme last week due to De Groot's statements to reduce the pig and poultry stock as a solution. halve† According to Frank Futselaar (SP), it would be better to reduce the livestock around nature reserves. "That's much more effective in relation to the problem." He also wondered whether the ministry is already working on a plan to reduce nitrogen emissions, or whether it is waiting for the results of the Remkes committee.
In a response to Futselaar's comment, Schouten indicated that the committee will present the first part of the advice in the second half of September. "The cabinet will then provide a response (short and long-term solutions) to this advice as soon as possible. However, I have not received an interim report from the committee, which means that I cannot say anything further about this," said the minister.
'Minister must take concrete steps'
Another topic that has been discussed frequently in the past year is the barn fires† According to Esther Ouwehand (Party for the Animals), this has been discussed extensively in recent months, but no concrete steps have been taken yet. Futselaar also wonders why stables are not always equipped with facilities such as fire detectors. "This is now a voluntary measure, but maybe we should make it mandatory."
Helma Lodders (VVD) believes that Minister Schouten should come up with concrete measures. "The progress report already showed that 25% of barn fires are caused by vermin. We must give our entrepreneurs more opportunity to tackle this. I therefore ask the minister to come up with a concrete step before the end of the year." In addition, Dion Graus (PVV) argues for an annual MOT inspection on stables.
Minister Schouten states that he agrees with the above remarks and therefore undertakes to submit a letter in December in which further measures are mentioned (including the problem with rodents). "In addition, the research into the detection systems will be completed in December. We are also looking at various practical pilots with the so-called 'stable-safe system'."
'35 degree limit is too high'
Finally, Schouten made last week known to legally prohibit animal transport within the Netherlands at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or more. According to Ouwehand, however, that limit is much too high. "What is that temperature based on? Research shows that the animals already suffer from the heat at 27 degrees Celsius?" Futselaar also sees more in a ban from temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.
However, Schouten does not intend to look at this again. "It is indeed true that there can also be heat stress below 35 degrees, but this is the level at which we will enforce. In most countries, the European transport regulation applies to transports that are longer than 8 hours. In Brussels, the discussion is already underway. to ban transports from 30 degrees. I support that, because I think it makes sense for longer transports."
Minister Schouten is one of the speakers at the National Economic Agricultural Congress of Boerenbusiness. Click here for the program and tickets.
Kimberly Baker
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