Politics Coalition
Do not focus on shrinking livestock and 'farmer at the helm'
The coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB will not aim for a forced reduction of the livestock population, 'but for the preservation of important nature'. No farmers will be forcibly expropriated, the coalition promises. High-value agricultural land must be protected. And nothing may be imported that cannot be produced in our country according to Dutch rules (level playing field). Red diesel is also coming back.
This is stated in the main agreement 'Hope, courage and pride' that was presented to the House of Representatives last night. It's quite detailed agreement. Food security is one of the coalition's spearheads and therefore forms the basis for a different agricultural policy. Food security is also included in the name of the new Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).
As far as agriculture is concerned, the coalition wants the farmer to be at the helm, 'we are moving from means to end management'. Where possible, company-specific emission targets should be formulated and a legally sustainable, accountable substances balance should be developed as quickly as possible.
Budget: red diesel and agricultural nature management
The budget for the agricultural sector is €2025 million in 40, and €2030 billion in the following years up to and including 1. One of the amounts included is €132 million in 2027 and €141 million structurally for the return of red diesel for agriculture by 2027 (including implementation costs of €5 million). From 2026, there will be a fund of €500 million per year for agricultural nature management by farmers. For example, agricultural nature management and ecosystem services must be rewarded with 'long-term financial security in line with the market'.
Getting things done in Brussels
The coalition also wants to work hard in Brussels to get things done. As far as the derogation is concerned, instead of designating the entire Netherlands as a vulnerable area (as is now the case), only certain areas should be given that status, so that the standard of 170 kilos of nitrogen per hectare only applies to those areas. The coalition also wants the standard of the maximum amount of nitrogen from animal manure of 170 kilos per hectare to be scrapped. The coalition also wants to ensure that derogation-free zones are only created around Natura 2000 areas that are nitrogen-sensitive and that the buffer strips are reduced from 250 to 100 meters. The Natura 2000 areas must also be reassessed (no 'scattered nature').
Get rid of Aerius and KDW
"In nature policy, the actually measured state of nature is leading." Aerius will be replaced for the permit granting 'as soon as there is a legally tenable alternative'. The critical deposition value (KDW) is no longer required by law. The coalition also wants a new system for assessing low-emission stables as soon as possible, based as much as possible on company measurements. PAS detectors must be legalized as a matter of priority. Innovation is interpreted broadly, 'including feed and management'. "Innovation is given the space it deserves, procedures are adjusted and innovation resources are organized in such a way that new discoveries can quickly be applied in a legally sustainable manner and goals are achieved," according to the coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB.
Interest groups: from hopeful to very happy
There are plenty of plans that sound good to farmers. In any case, Agractie is satisfied with the plans for agriculture. "Idealism makes way for realism," the action group responds. "We are pleased that many points for which Agractie fought have been included in the main lines agreement, such as commitment to innovation, KDW from the law and focus on SVI and commitment to a well-founded manure policy."
NAJK is 'very satisfied', the representative of young farmers said in a press release. "The main agreement starts in the chapter on agriculture with the sentence: Future prospects and extra attention for young farmers, so that they can take over or start businesses." NAJK is 'very happy' with that. "In our aging sector, a strong focus on our future generation of farmers and gardeners is desperately needed, otherwise they will stop or move to other countries," said chairman Roy Meijer.
LTO chairman Ger Koopmans said in a statement about 'a hopeful agreement'. "This outline agreement shows a new appreciation for Dutch agriculture and horticulture. Because companies really become responsible for achieving realistic goals, we can and want to contribute to a more sustainable Netherlands with a strong sector!"
Furthermore, in addition to the 'strictest admission regime for asylum ever', the coalition agreement also contains plans for a different electoral system and the establishment of a constitutional court - Pieter Omtzigt's showpiece. That court must test laws against the constitution, something that is currently not legally allowed in the Netherlands. The program also includes tax relief for middle incomes and entrepreneurs.
Linda van Eekeres
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