Tomorrow (Wednesday 20 May) the Provincial Council of Drenthe will almost certainly adopt a motion calling on agriculture minister Schouten to give preference to business development that combats nitrogen emissions, rather than purchase, in the nitrogen approach.
According to VVD member of parliament and agricultural spokesman Johan Moes, all political parties in the Provincial Council know the text of the motion and there is no doubt that a large majority will vote in favor of the motion.
Purchase scheme unchanged
Contrary to what RTV Drenthe claims, the motion does not mean that Minister Schouten has to go back to the drawing board. Moes: “We cannot stop the government's voluntary purchase scheme. That is why we call on the minister to emphasize sustainable business development through innovation. Extensification in the vicinity of Natura 2000 areas is also mentioned in the motion. Perhaps Minister Schouten thinks the same way as the tenor of this motion. Ultimately, it is a free choice for livestock farmers themselves whether they participate in the purchase scheme or invest in sustainability and the associated reduction of nitrogen emissions.”
Still uncertainty about PAS notification
Moes is one of the initiators of the motion, together with the CDA. They therefore want the minister to remove the concerns and unrest among farmers. The farmers are waiting for a decision about legalizing activities that were legal under the PAS, such as notifications and fertilising. In the motion, the Provincial Executive of Drenthe is also summoned to ensure that they remain in control of the so-called external netting (purchase of nitrogen rights by non-agricultural parties) and that they prevent vacancy through purchase.
IPO consultation at the end of this month
According to CDA and VVD, the motion is an important signal to the Interprovincial Consultative Body (IPO), which will meet with the minister at the end of this month to discuss the final details of the Nitrogen Emergency Act. Moes: "This allows our deputy Jumelet to steer the consultation and policy in the right direction."
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