Nitrogen millions free for the purchase of peak loaders

The Dutch provinces have received extra money to buy up livestock farms located close to Natura2000 areas. The cabinet proposes €350 million for the purchase of these 'peak tax collectors', of which €100 million will be released on Tuesday (today). The government thinks this will reduce nitrogen emissions.

The money will be released in the so-called Targeted Purchase of Livestock Farms Scheme, which is Government Gazette has been published. The acquisitions of the companies should help the cabinet to achieve the target that by 2030 at least half of the nature in Natura 2000 areas will be at a 'healthy' nitrogen level, as the cabinet describes.

Practically blocked
The cabinet emphasizes that the purchase is 'voluntary' and that the agricultural entrepreneur has a choice. However, the farmers' representatives say that the farmers involved have no choice, because their business is practically blocked. For example, with a view to future licensing. The government declares that the scheme is aimed at buying up 'peak loaders', i.e. companies that, according to the government's definition, cause a relatively high load on Natura 2000 areas that are nitrogen-sensitive and overloaded.

The scheme is aimed at companies within a radius of 10 kilometers of a Natura 2000 area. Through the scheme, provinces can conclude a purchase agreement with the livestock farm concerned, after which it is concluded. Not only is the nitrogen involved in the purchase, but the scheme also applies to achieve other government goals. Such as making areas prone to desiccation more climate-proof. 

Resolving PAS messages
But also agricultural entrepreneurs who want to continue farming will benefit from the scheme, according to the cabinet. According to the cabinet, there will not only be room for nature restoration, but also for solving the issue surrounding PAS reports. "In this way, work can be done on nature restoration, while at the same time creating more space for permanent agricultural entrepreneurs in that area and for other developments. In addition, agricultural entrepreneurs who want to stop are helped in this way," says a cabinet statement.

The targeted purchase scheme is one of the schemes that the cabinet has. A second (voluntary) stop scheme will become available in 2021, the National Termination Scheme for Livestock Farm Locations. Dairy, pig and poultry farmers can register themselves for this scheme in due course. A total of €1,9 billion is available for agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce more sustainably or who want to stop.

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