Agreement on the Nitrates Directive still seems a long way off

The current 6^e AP runs until January 1, before then it would be 7^e AP should be ready. The concept must be refined, piloted by the House and then approved by Brussels. But before that happens, there are still a few big hurdles to overcome.

Industry resistance
That starts with the concept design 7^e AP presented September 6. This immediately led to strong criticism from the agricultural sector. The measures are not practical and economically feasible and also apply to areas where the water quality standards are already being met, according to parties from the sector. LTO Nederland, NAJK, POV, NAV, BO-Akkerbouw, NZO and Rabobank brought a joint statement to the outside world, but also companies such as Avebe, Aviko and Cosun called on their members to submit their views on the design. Several members of the House of Representatives also reacted critically to the draft draft 7^e AP in the Committee debate on Manure Policy. Among other things, the lack of an economic calculation and the obligation to sow catch crops before 1 October raised a number of questions.

Optimistic planning
During the  Letter to Parliament Minister Schouten announced last week that he would process the input from various channels in the final AP. This includes approximately 3.700 views submitted and the results of the discussions with the sector parties. Various parties involved in decision-making around the 7^e AP doubt the feasibility of the timeline set by the minister: the final version to the House in the second half of November, agreement around December 1 and a presentation in the Nitrate Committee on December 15.

Complex negotiations
Sources surrounding the negotiations hint that the negotiations are progressing very slowly. Various measures in the concept are drastic for certain companies, for example the cultivation-free zones and the wider crop rotation. In addition, there is overlap in various areas with the elaboration of the new CAP, which is also under intense negotiation. This means that there are many stakeholders at the table.

The information that comes out gives the impression that the ministry is sticking to the measures in the draft version. They are open to suggestions that interest representatives come up with, but the ministry wants to turn these into pilot projects that could then be included in the 8^e AP in 2026. Among other things, possible problems surrounding enforcement and possible too little effect of the proposed measures seem to weigh heavily.

The sector is focusing on an area-oriented, realistic and workable approach. In regions where there is no problem with the water quality, you do not have to solve a problem. The proposed measures therefore cost the agricultural sector unnecessarily money without any environmental benefits.

Little guidance from the minister
There is also some criticism of the minister. Too much has been pushed forward for too long. This is partly because there has been a missionary cabinet for three quarters of a year. Some sources think that this is also very easily used as an excuse. For example, the economic calculation only came after the presentation of the concept design. That could have been different if the order had been given on time. In addition, some parties feel that the minister is now using the retention of the derogation as a means of pressure to push through the plans. If the deadline is not met, the decision on this will be postponed by a quarter and the derogation will not be decided until September. And what plays a role in the background is Schouten's role in the formation of the cabinet. A frequently heard comment is: Being a minister is not something you do on the side.

All things considered, a breakthrough in the consultations seems far away. Several sources are hinting that news will come out about the 7 . at the end of this week or early next week^e AP, but what is meant by that is left open.