Poultry sector must reduce particulate matter emissions

Particulate matter emissions from poultry houses must be halved within 10 years. For new poultry houses, a reduction of even 70 percent must be achieved. State Secretary Van Dam and Dijksma write this, also on behalf of State Secretary Van Rijn, in a letter to the House of Representatives.

According to the state secretaries, the measures are urgently needed. A recent study provides strong indications that the emission of particulate matter has negative effects on the health of people living in the vicinity of poultry farms.

pneumonia
Poultry farms emit more particulate matter than all other livestock farms in the Netherlands. The study 'Livestock and Health for Local Residents (VGO)', which was published last year, shows that the amount of particulate matter emissions from poultry farms makes local residents more susceptible to infections. For example, local residents are more likely to have pneumonia and suffer from reduced lung function more often. 

Measures after the report
Following a number of different reports, including VGO, the cabinet (in collaboration with the poultry sector) has drawn up a package of measures to improve the air quality around poultry houses. However, last February the sector withdrew from this. 

As a result, the cabinet itself is now starting the elaboration of the package of measures, especially in view of the importance of public health. The decision-making on the legal measures will be left to the new cabinet. 

'The government has a responsibility to limit the identified health risks for local residents as much as possible. That is why the cabinet is now taking measures and is working out a legal obligation to halve emissions of particulate matter," said State Secretary Martijn van Dam. 

Innovative solutions needed
In addition to the statutory reduction requirement, the cabinet will also introduce short-term measures. For example, Van Dam proposes to make 4 million euros available over the next 1,6 years for the development of new innovative solutions to reduce the emission of particulate matter directly at the source (i.e. in the barn). 

In addition, Dijksma will remove bottlenecks in order to get new reduction techniques recognized more quickly. It adjusts the recognition procedure for this. A guideline is also being drawn up for the provinces and municipalities. They can use this to assess companies that want to expand or new companies that want to establish themselves. 

Additional research
In response to the VGO study, the cabinet has also commissioned an additional study into the relationship between livestock farming and the health of local residents. This study is expected to be completed in the summer. 

Finally, the Health Council will issue further advice before the end of this year. 

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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