BBB: 'Significantly fewer companies with LTO nitrogen plan'

BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) ​​is stunned about the nitrogen deal that LTO Nederland has concluded with nature organizations and employers' associations. According to the political party, carrying out the plan means a significant reduction in agricultural companies. That "a farmer's organization comes up with such a plan, without substantiation and calculation of the effects."

BBB said in a statement. Caroline van der Plas's party is thus responding to the nitrogen proposal that LTO Nederland has devised with Natuurmonumenten, Natuur & Milieu, VNO-NCW and Bouwend Nederland. According to BBB, the elaboration of the plan could have "enormous consequences for the existence of farmers and horticulturists and their important and sustainable role in guaranteeing food security in and outside the Netherlands."

Other sectors hit
BBB points out that the buyout of agricultural companies remains a consequence of LTO's plan and that the consequences could be significant. If farmers disappear, other sectors will also be affected, the party emphasizes. Examples of this are contractors, veterinarians, stable builders, machine manufacturers, animal feed manufacturers, slaughterhouses, food processors, agricultural schools, universities, consultancies, catering and (livestock) transport companies.

Each farmer employs an average of 12 people, while the agricultural sector accounts for 600.000 direct and indirect jobs, BBB writes. "Not to mention the landscape and nature management in which many farmers in the countryside are involved," says Van der Plas.

Solo performance 
The party is also surprised by LTO's solo performance. 'BBB finds it strange that LTO is signing such a radical plan, while none of the other farmers' representatives seem to be involved.' The organization also wonders whether LTO has discussed the proposal with the members. 

The party maintains its previous position that the entire nitrogen law must go back to the drawing board, because the foundation under the nitrogen policy is rattling. The actual emissions must also be known not only from agriculture, but also from all other sectors. BBB also does not see in LTO's plan what partners such as Bouwend Nederland and VNO-NCW will do to reduce nitrogen emissions. 

Put under pressure
BBB suspects that LTO Nederland has allowed itself to be pressured by the construction and nature organizations in this proposal. The party points out that peak loaders can be found not only in agriculture, but also in industry. "An average dairy farm is between 3.000 to 4.000 kilos per year. The top 10 peak loaders are between 900.000 (Nuon factory) and 5,7 million kilos (Tata Steel IJmuiden)", the party explains. "How can LTO close a deal without naming it?"

BBB wants to focus on innovative systems to reduce nitrogen, instead of 'chasing the best farmers away from the Netherlands', according to the statement.

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