News Nitrogen
'Farmers who want to stop, stay on their hands'
Getting bought out has to become 'wildly attractive'. Christianne van der Wal, Minister for Nature and Nitrogen, has not only received a lot of criticism from this statement (because it is inappropriate in this context), it has also caused farmers who want to be bought out to see what that 'wildly attractive proposal' then becomes.
Last night (April 6), agricultural spokespersons in the House of Representatives debated nitrogen policy with ministers Van der Wal and Henk Staghouwer (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality). Van der Wal indicated that in the existing 'targeted purchase' measure, work is now underway on the second tranche, in which negotiations are already underway with sixty peak loaders.
Member of parliament Laura Bromet (GroenLinks) notes that farmers have gone on hold after the statements about making purchases more attractive. Van der Wal: "I also get those signals. Some say: 'I'm going to see what it means'. Yet I made that choice consciously: if you don't remove obstacles, someone who wants to stop will not move. the vast majority wait at all. I see that many farmers who want to quit are left behind, I would too. It must be clear: what it looks like. I am convinced that the wheel will then turn."
She counters the criticism that Van der Wal does not realize what it means for entrepreneurs if he/she has to sell a company that has been in the family for generations: "I fully realize that the decision to stop is terrible, even if it is voluntary. I take it seriously." For a more attractive purchase, the minister will discuss taxation. Now a lot goes to tax in a purchase scheme. Van der Wal cannot say when there will be clarity about the tax scheme.
Red colored areas
By next month at the latest, it will make a decision about directional goals that will be given to the provinces. Minister Van der Wal describes the area processes as a puzzle that must be put together for each area. At the moment there are quick scans made from nature target analyses. They will be shared next month. That scan shows areas that turn red, orange, etc. More speed is needed in the red areas, according to Van der Wal. "You have to put that puzzle in the area. It is clear for each area on a different date. The deadline is July 1, 2023, but that doesn't mean we'll get a pile on the desk. I want the red-colored areas forward to fetch."
She adds: "The deadline is tighter and firmer in the red areas and non-binding where possible. Expropriation is the last step." Everyone - regardless of legal status - is included in the area processes, including PAS reporters, says the minister. Everyone sits at the table on an equal footing in these area processes, the minister promises. Roelof Bisschop (SGP) would like to know what that means. Van der Wal: "Everyone sits at the table, everyone contributes to the area."
Expropriation
Expropriation will only be discussed after 1 July 2023. According to Van der Wal, an expropriation process takes three to five years. "That is precisely the reason for a voluntary commitment: that it provides more speed and is fairer for the farmers." The minister cannot say how many farmers have to leave. It will have more insight into this by 1 July 2023 at the latest. Then it is also clearer about how much agricultural land is taken out of production. In that context, Van der Wal emphasizes that 'the Grondbank is only there to facilitate the transition, not to give land a different function'. Van der Wal cannot answer the question of Thom van Campen (VVD) whether land can also be retained if a company is bought up, because according to her it depends on the area and the situation there.
Staghouwer promised in his contribution to personally advocate for the authorization of green plant protection products in Brussels. "It is important that there are sufficient alternatives. It cannot be that parts cannot be farmed, because there are no good resources for them."
Derogation incredibly difficult process
Whatever is going on in Brussels - obtaining a derogation is an incredibly difficult process -, Staghouwer indicated. At the request of Caroline van der Plas (BBB) whether the minister in Brussels would like to propose adjusting the usage standard, he says: "Asking for an adjustment of the nitrates directive will not help in conversations. I have to do my best to keep the conversations going. The problem is that we have a very difficult conversation with Brussels - luckily we are talking again - I don't think it is wise at the moment."
Staghouwer would like to have target regulations and not just rules, also in the area-oriented approach. Both Van Campen and MP Tjeerd de Groot (D66) asked in vain what target regulations the minister was thinking about. The minister must explain this in more detail in a letter that Staghouwer wants to send to the House at the end of May or early June. It outlines the future prospects for agriculture. He does say, however, that it is incredibly important for young farmers that perspective is offered and that a lot of attention is paid to this in the area-oriented approach.
Linda van Eekeres
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