Remkes Committee: warm remediation of livestock farming

The Remkes Committee is calling for a warm reorganization of livestock farming. In particular, livestock farms with outdated barn systems near a Natura 2000 site must be bought out. In addition, according to Remkes, space must be created for livestock farms that produce 'cleanly' and are innovative.

Johan Remkes, the chairman of the committee of the same name, speaks of a warm restructuring of livestock farming, whereby the companies have to be bought out by the government. Remkes argues that it should be quickly identified which livestock farms have outdated barn systems that emit relatively large amounts of ammonia in nature reserves. "If this is clear, then the government can carry out a targeted acquisition or remediation of agricultural companies."

The committee also expressly states that it does not want a generic discount from the Dutch dairy herd. "The differences in ammonia emissions are too great for that. This requires an adequate area-oriented and targeted approach."

Short-term emergency measures
The committee refers to 'emergency measures' that are aimed at the short term. "A lot has happened in recent years, including in the agricultural sector and industry. That is great, but it is not enough. The time of legal tricks and ruses must be over. The Netherlands must be able to continue to develop without nature to harm."

Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) indicated that she wanted to respond to the report quickly. The intention is that a letter will be sent to the House of Representatives at the beginning of October, in which the minister indicates how she will approach the report in practice. She does, however, make it clear that she wants to explicitly involve the provinces, municipalities and sectors in this process.

Remkes also advises to lower the speed limit on motorways and on provincial roads. "This can be varied by region." Remkes also states that reducing the speed is sensible on the roads where it has an effect on the precipitation of nitrogen in vulnerable nature areas.

There is no 'nitrogen crisis' at all. There is a problem of wrong regulation caused by our failing government itself. That is why we call on the cabinet to modernize the outdated Dutch nitrogen standards IMMEDIATELY following the German example. https://t.co/mDhYeJvuPR #FVD pic.twitter.com/GqNUkZ3oXo

- Thierry Baudet (@thierrybaudet) September 25, 2019

CDA: customization and perspective in the nitrogen discussion pic.twitter.com/O2HqiLZHgf

— Jaco Geurts (@JacoGeurts) September 25, 2019

Report of the Remkes Committee is clear and ready. Protection and restoration of nature must now come first. This requires clear choices. https://t.co/yQlSzCAH7m

— Carla Dik-Faber (@carladikfaber) September 25, 2019

A crystal clear report. Remkes is clear: we cannot wait a day longer. D66 wants to protect nature and build houses. But now it is time for sharp choices. Politics is on the move.https://t.co/BMktu493ZG

— Rob Jetten (@RobJetten) September 25, 2019

VVD merger with GroenLinks? pic.twitter.com/AAK52osEFi

- Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) September 25, 2019

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