We can put 2017 behind us, because it is already 2018. What do we have to take into account in the coming year? Boerenbusiness lined up a few things.
1. Introduction of phosphate rights
They were long expected, not wanted and yet the time has come. Brussels has given permission, which means that the phosphate rights are now a fact. The Netherlands must remain below the phosphate ceiling by means of these rights. It is important that companies have sufficient phosphate rights.
At the beginning of January, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) will send an overview of the number of rights granted per company. It is important to check this carefully, especially if there has been a business transfer.
2. Obtain a derogation?
Now that the phosphate rights are a fact, and we will probably also fall below the phosphate ceiling, the derogation getting closer and closer. Will we get the new derogation and what exactly will it look like?
We will know in the course of 2018; expected in April. It is important to notify the derogation in good time (normally before 1 February). In addition, make sure that you keep an eye on reporting from RVO.nl. And last but not least: don't forget to pass on the fertilizer stock.
3. Taking Soil Samples
If a derogation is granted, it must be checked carefully whether the soil samples present are still valid. These may not be older than 1 years on 2018 February 4. Otherwise, have a new sample taken so that it can be checked.
4. Spreading slurry
Wait a little longer before placing the liquid manure tank behind the tractor. Slurry on arable land may only be spread from 1 February 2018. Slurry on grassland may be spread from 16 February.
For solid manure on grassland, 1 February 2018 is the start date. Solid manure on arable land may be spread all year round on clay and peat soils. The solid manure on arable land (on sandy and loess soil) may also be applied from 1 February.
5. Subsidies
This year there are again various subsidy options. One can already think of the arrangement Young farmers† This can be applied for until January 15. There is also an opening for the SDE+ subsidy† it is open from March 13 to April 5, 2018.
6. Submit Combined Statement
The Combined Statement must be resubmitted from 1 March to 15 May 2018. This is important for the payment of payment entitlements. The land on which no payment entitlements were granted between 2015 and 2017, because it was excluded from payments, may still qualify for these entitlements in 2018. This is when it can be demonstrated that these plots are used as agricultural land.
However, this will still lead to the necessary discussions in natural areas with few agricultural activities. At this time, the payment entitlements paid out. It is important to pay attention to whether the payment is going well and whether all payment entitlements are paid out.
7. Meet greening requirements
In order to have the above payment entitlements paid out, a number of greening requirements must be met. The most important change is that no more crop protection products may be used in Ecological Focus Areas (EA). Catch crops used for EA must be sown by October 16.
8. POR regulation not extended
De POR Control for poultry farmers and pig farmers will not be extended after December 31, 2017. Companies that have obtained rights on the basis of this regulation must purchase this number of rights from 1 January 2018. In many cases, this requires a significant investment.
9. Submit the Recycle Pointer
From now on, the Kringloopwijzer must be completed by all milk-supplying companies. This must be done no later than 15 May 2018. Dairy farmers are not allowed to calculate with company-specific standards. This is only allowed if you are a member of the Kringloopwijzer pilot.
10. Scandals and crises
In the past year, the sector had to deal with the fipronil affair, bird flu and swine fever (which lurked in our eastern neighbours). How do we ensure that 2018 will be a year in which we do not have to experience this. What we will certainly have to deal with is a new season of 'Farmer is looking for a woman'. Whether you consider that a crisis is up to you.
Watch the interview with Hennie de Haan about the fipronil affair below.
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