Beef farmers test phosphate reduction rules

For many livestock farmers, the 2017 Phosphate Reduction Regulation means contracting, without the possibility of absorbing this. This has major consequences for many players in the sector, including for beef farmers. On behalf of 50 beef cattle farmers, the law firm Kneppelhout & Korthals is putting it to the test in a trial process.

To prevent meat farmers from becoming a shortcut for dairy farmers to avoid the contraction, the sector was initially confronted with an unexpected reference date. That became December 15 2016† A date with major consequences. On Friday, outgoing State Secretary Martijn van Dam known to come up with an alternative reference.

Duplicating and hindering rules
However, there will still be a trial process to test the legal validity of the 2017 Phosphate Reduction Plan Regulation. This is how Kneppelhout & Korthals announces. Franca Damen, among others, has already made herself heard in agricultural-related matters. She is responsible for this file together with Gert-Jan de Jager. The lawsuit is brought by 50 beef farmers who argue that the rules are wrongly duping them and hindering them in running the company. 

The rules cover all farms that have supplied more than 15 female cattle after December 2016, 2. This also applies to calves born in 2017. Excess livestock is subject to a hefty fine. The lawyers argue that the scheme interferes too heavily with business operations and constitutes an infringement of property. What also counts is that beef farmers were not involved in drawing up the phosphate reduction plan, 'which means they were unable to defend their objections.'

Both Damen and De Jager do not expect the scheme to last for beef farmers in its current form. 'In summary proceedings, therefore, it will be demanded that the regulation for this sector be disapplied.'

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

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