All requests to quit accepted

The purpose of the stopping scheme is too important not to consider all 497 applications. The business community will make an additional 10 million euros available if necessary, so that there is room for all applications that meet the requirements accept.  

In the very short term, State Secretary Martijn van Dam has succeeded in reaching a decision in consultation with the sector in the much-discussed stop scheme. After the 'enthusiastic' run on the scheme, as he described it earlier, the discussion arose whether the goal was not important enough to consider all applications to stop. At first, money seemed to be the stumbling block, but there is now a solution.   

Reducing the production of phosphate as quickly as possible and thus meeting the requirements set by Brussels regarding the derogation for broader nitrogen use standards. That is the aim of the phosphate reduction plan, of which the stopping scheme is part. 'A reservoir of delayed stoppers', signaled French Labels, of FrieslandCampina, before the stoppage scheme came into effect. The oversubscription therefore did not come as a surprise, but the next steps resulted in some discussion. Because of the higher milk prices and the end of the milk quota, there had been far fewer quitters in recent years than in previous years.

An extra boost was that there are signals from the sector that if the stoppers can't keep up in the first round, they will drop out in the next. In addition, the business community will free up another 10 million euros if necessary. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is limiting itself to the previously promised 6 million euros.

As a result of this new development, there will be no second opening. 'We are still consulting with the business community about a final opening in May.'    

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