LTO has confidence in the feed rail solution

Wil Meulenbroeks, chairman of the LTO dairy farming department, assumes that the minister will implement the Geurts/Harbers motion. This motion gives livestock farmers the choice whether they will reduce nitrogen emissions via the feed ration via the ministerial regulation this year, or whether they will use alternatives developed by the agricultural sector itself.

That's what Meulenbroeks said this morning on Radio1.

LTO does not demonstrate
Meulenbroeks was also asked for his opinion on the demonstrations. "LTO does not support tractor campaigns, but we do understand the emotion. It was also very difficult for the LTO dairy farming department to accept that the minister continued her own feed-track approach. But we see no reason to demonstrate, even with the a view to reputational damage."

LTO has more confidence in lobbying. The dairy farmer from Hoge Mierde in Brabant is satisfied that the weeks of lobbying by LTO to find a solution to the nitrogen problem has led to the Geurts / Harbers motion. If this motion is fully implemented by the minister, livestock farmers will be able to opt for alternative measures, instead of being obliged to forgo individual protein-rich raw materials in the ration.

Reassessing health risks
However, in the letter to parliament that Schouten sent last night (July 9), there is no promise whatsoever that she will actually implement the Geurts/Harbers motion. She will have the effects of the plans presented to her by the agricultural interest groups calculated. She has promised. If this shows that with these plans sufficient nitrogen reduction will also be guaranteed and therefore enforceable and verifiable this year, she will actually make the choice. If, after a new round of consultations with experts, it appears that her approach endangers animal health, she will waive the so-called feed measure.

TV appearance minister
Last evening, Schouten showed in the television program Op1 that he did not see the alternative plans of the agricultural advocates as a serious form of nitrogen reduction for this year. "All sectors must reduce nitrogen. For example by driving less fast on the highway. The farmers will also have to take steps. There is no exception for them. But I always want to keep in touch." 

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