Fear of setbacks
Phosphate reduction not yet a race
It is still too early to say that phosphate reduction is a done deal. This is apparent from a response from the spokesperson for State Secretary Martijn van Dam to the message from the NMV. The target is within reach. Yet there is still a blow to the arm in connection with possible setbacks.
On Thursday 18 May, the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV) will announce that the goal of the sector plan for phosphate reduction achieved is. Positive news, but now it appears that the news has come a little too early. The Van Dam spokesperson does indicate that 'the objective of the plan is within reach, but that we are not there yet. We now have to keep the course: maintain the reduction achieved so far and take one last step.'
No run yet
The fact that the race is not yet over is because various setbacks are taken into account. Van Dam also touched on this during the Thursday's debate† This concerns an adjustment of the young stock number, the result of summary proceedings for more dairy farmers, increasing animal numbers in other sectors and the final figures to be released in June.
Van Dam hopes to come up with a reduction target for the third period next week. "It might be the week after."
Herman van den Pol
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