Analysis Nitrogen mood
About nitrogen tables and a blood-drunk MOB
Last week, the G8/G9 of agricultural organizations considered an invitation from Minister Piet Adema to discuss the broad Agricultural Agreement that he would like to conclude. The parties differed in this, as is not unusual in agriculture. They also had to agree on who should or would like to sit at the main table, where the real business is done. And for whom the side tables or the standing places are. In our weekly section Nitrogen Mood, we give an impression of the nitrogen crisis in our own way.
The idea of the tables came from Adema, following the example of the Climate Tables in 2018. Perhaps it is a bit logical, because you cannot talk to everyone in negotiations. On the other hand, it also has something of divide and conquer.
LTO Dairy cattle hesitates, Van der Tak does not
As a result of the talks in the G8, dairy farming and the dairy industry quickly agreed that a better picture of all the challenges facing this industry in the coming years must first be obtained. The assignment this was deposited with ZuivelNL, with the consent of the entire board, including LTO Dairy Farming. After all, talking without knowing exactly where you stand is of no use, so it was judged. Perhaps other sectors would like something similar, because the tasks for intensive livestock farming and arable farming are not small either.
The surprise, and some people's irritation, was therefore great when LTO chairman Sjaak van der Tak shortly afterwards and was the first to raise his hand to join Adema. After all, it was an opportunity, according to a statement from LTO. However, the club does not have to consult the members. The NAJK also joined. Agractie is still hesitant and is therefore having a member consultation first. The reticence is even greater among the other parties.
No overall cabinet
This also has to do with the fact that the total of the assignments has recently become even greater, while Adema and his colleagues Van der Wal and Harbers have done little for their part to even sketch the beginning of a coherent picture of what is going on. all to do. It is possible that they themselves do not know that yet, it is also possible that they prefer not to tell yet, so you can hear. In addition, Adema may be an approachable man, but his colleague and nitrogen boss Christianne van der Wal does not show much receptivity on her part. Many farmers see her in a duo with D66 MP Tjeerd de Groot rather than with colleague Piet Adema.
What also plays a role is that all the consultations do not change much for the time being in the legal chaos surrounding everything that smells of nitrogen. Farmers see themselves hunted like poultry with Johan Vollenbroek & co as a ferret in the chicken coop. Last week's protests in Zwolle indicate how tired and desperate the livestock farmers are of the PAS tragedy. Johan Remkes spoke clearly about this at the presentation of his report at the beginning of October: the government has failed to solve mistakes that have been made. But Minister Van der Wal, who is primarily responsible, continues to exude powerlessness.
Date agreed
Minister Adema said on NPO 1 on Thursday evening that he does not necessarily need to have completed an agricultural agreement before the Provincial Council elections next spring. Nevertheless, this dot on the horizon undoubtedly puts pressure on the process. If there are signatures on paper before that time, follow-up steps can be taken much more easily than afterwards. Unless something special happens, then the balance of power in the province and in the senate will change dramatically.
Klaas van der Horst
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