Cabinet costs nitrogen plan rise to 6 billion

Half of the Natura 2000 areas will have a healthy nitrogen level in 10 years' time, agriculture minister Carola Schouten assures. In total, the plans, which were sent to the House of Representatives this afternoon (October 13), cost about €6 billion. One billion more than previously announced. 

Half of the budget goes to nature restoration, while €2 billion is earmarked to reduce nitrogen deposition from agriculture, traffic and industry. Another billion is being made available to help construction get going again.

€175 million to farmers
Within the €2 billion in reduction measures, €175 million will go to farmers who want to become more sustainable. Schouten is setting up a so-called Switching Fund for this. For example, through investments in stables, or less protein in animal feed, other manure application or company termination. Every sector must contribute to the restoration of nature. There is still no clarity about the legalization of PAS reporters. Schouten indicates that he is looking for a solution together with the sector.

Reduction comes first
The goal of having half of nature at a healthy nitrogen level by 2030 is certainly not without obligation. This has to be done left or right. There is no longer any chance of living on the pof, where it went wrong in the PAS. The credo of the cabinet is: first gain nitrogen space, only then spend limited again.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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