'Conclusive derogation is expected soon'

The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) will probably announce next Monday that the derogation for broader manure standards will not be extended. This is reported by the NOS based on sources from The Hague. It remains to be seen whether the derogation will disappear this year or will be phased out.

The aim of the ministry is to extend the derogation for four years. The NOS writes that the nitrate committee of the European Commission does not agree and will disappear from next year. This would mean that from 2023 livestock farmers may no longer spread 250 kilos of nitrogen per hectare, but must adhere to the European standard of 170 kilos. The broader manure standards would still apply this year, but this also requires an extension. The derogation as we know it was in effect until 2022.

If it turns out that LNV will actually come up with a decision on Monday, then that is still faster than expected† LNV minister Henk Staghouwer previously announced that he would take into account clarity in September and says (based on the reports from the NOS) that he is still in negotiations. This is also indicated by the directors involved, which makes the reporting by the NOS seem too premature.  

In any case, in the sector hopes of granting a derogation in its current form have often already been given up. It is hoped for a phased stop. An increase in fertilizer prices is looming if the derogation is already definitively drawn this year. A phased stop will probably put less pressure on the fertilizer market. 

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