For the time being, grazing is not mandatory by law. That is what outgoing State Secretary Martijn van Dam writes in a letter to parliament.
Pasture grazing remains the responsibility of the dairy farming sector for the time being. The starting point for this is to encourage voluntary grazing. This can be supplemented with legal rules if necessary.
Outgoing Martijn van Dam writes that he has commissioned an investigation. This study should look at how sector parties can encourage voluntary outdoor grazing. This research should subsequently provide chain parties in the dairy sector with the means to persuade dairy farmers to graze their cows frequently.
Van Dam does not yet know whether grazing should eventually be included in the law. He therefore also has the pros and cons of compulsory grazing investigated. 'Before starting preparations for a legal guarantee, it is important to have a clear picture of the possibilities and the pros and cons', writes Van Dam in the statement. Letter to parliament about grazing and reactions to motions.
Kees Romijn, chairman of LTO Dairy Farming, is delighted: 'This was our commitment. No obligation to graze, but the sector's own responsibility.' WUR and CLM will carry out the studies.
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