News Budget Day
Cabinet keeps pace with nitrogen file
The outgoing cabinet is keeping the momentum going on the nitrogen dossier. This was already evident from the fact that the subject had not been declared controversial and it became clear again this afternoon during the Speech from the Throne that King Willem-Alexander delivered on this Budget Day, just like last year in the Royal Theater due to maintenance work on the Binnenhof.
"The government remains committed to progress on the nitrogen dossier, knowing that otherwise the problem will only get worse, with all the consequences for nature, but also for housing construction and road construction," the king said. "It is therefore positive that the provinces have presented the area plans for nitrogen reduction and that several hundred companies that emit a lot of nitrogen near vulnerable nature are considering participating in a buyout scheme."
The recently published research by the UvA and also that it RIVM wants to abandon the Aerius calculation method has therefore not yet led to any other insights.
Investment in business succession and organic sector
It was previously announced that the government will make €175 million in investments in agriculture from the Transition Fund, including €50 million for the organic sector and €100 million for business succession. King Willem-Alexander said this afternoon: "It has been clear from the outset that the nitrogen and nature policy go hand in hand with perspective and clarity for agriculture. Especially for young farmers who want to build a sustainable future. For them, the cabinet will make next year money will be released for support in business succession. The organic sector will also receive extra support."
Preparing the market for organic
The agricultural budget from the briefcase that Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag presented to the House of Representatives today states that the government will continue 'implementing the national action plan for organic agriculture and consumption' in 2024. "The aim of this plan is to ensure that 2030% of agricultural land is used for the production of organic food by 15. Consumers must contribute to this and the market is being prepared for this."
According to the trade association of the organic sector, Bionext, the promised €50 million should go to consumer campaigns, National Organic Weeks, ambassadors and chain directors in the organic chains, as part of the market program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The commitment is in line with previous agreements in the collapsed agricultural agreement. "Given the rapidly rising costs and the stagnant market, this news comes not a day too soon," Bionext said in a press statement.
According to the government, the budget for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality will increase by 68% in the coming years through a gradual increase from approximately €3 billion in 2023 to €5 billion in 2026 and will remain stable thereafter. "This increase is due to increasing expenditure in the context of the agricultural transition and solving the nitrogen crisis." As expected, the outgoing cabinet did not come with any major surprises in the agricultural field.
Linda van Eekeres
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