News 7th Program of Action
Disappointment at Cosun for winter crop list
Surprise and disappointment arose at beet processor Cosun after publication of the winter crop list in the context of the 7e Nitrates Directive Action Programme. Only when sugar beet is lifted after 1 November, the crop is considered winter crop. This while beets absorb a lot of nitrogen, the cooperative argues.
"We assumed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality would use October 1 as the date for sugar beet cultivation," explains agricultural director Arno Huijsmans. "We were surprised that it has been moved up a month. It is nice that there is clarity now, but the fertilization and sowing of the beets is currently in full swing. We have a problem with the fact that the measures are only now being published."
New consultation
Huijsmans hopes that the last has not yet been said about the November 1 deadline. "Hopefully there is still room for discussion. So far Cosun constructive dialogue with the Ministry. The fact that chicory is classified as a winter crop shows that adjustments are possible."
As a motivation for the limit of 1 November, the decision memorandum put forward by the Ministry is that the leaching of nutrients is greater in September or October. This concerns nitrogen that is in the beet leaves. Huijsmans: "Most of the nitrogen is in the beet itself. The crop still absorbs a lot of nitrogen in October, much more than a catch crop does during that growing period. Moreover, with a catch crop this also remains in the field. The announced measures therefore only work cost-increasing. We want to jointly achieve the objectives for better water quality, but there are better methods to achieve this."
Nitrogen discount
From this year, beet growers on sandy and loess soil are obliged to sow a catch crop – such as green manure or winter cereals – when the sugar beets are harvested in October. They also have to deal with a nitrogen reduction. In the first half of the month it is 5 kilos per hectare. In the second half of October that is 10 kilos per hectare.
Arable farming representative NAV says not satisfied with the final list of winter crops, emphasizing in particular the situation for consumption potatoes, which are not classified as winter crops. Fiber hemp has not been given that status either. This has a serious negative impact on cultivation, says NAV.
Uncertainty
There is still some uncertainty about the measure within the 7e Action program. For example, what happens when there is rental land? Arable farmers have to deal with this, especially in the cultivation of consumption potatoes. Does the nitrogen discount apply to the cultivated plot or is it in the name of the entrepreneur? Questions that need quick answers now that the sowing and planting season is in full swing.
Niels van der Boom
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