Background Dairy farm
DDB wants to keep fighting for derogation
The loss of the derogation for Dutch dairy farming is not yet an irrefutable decision. However, the options for retaining this exemption seem very limited, says chairman Erwin Wunnekink (photo) of LTO Dairy Farming. Sieta van Keimpema remains more combative on behalf of the Dutch Daiymen Board (DDB).
LTO regrets that there has not been more lobbying in the past period for the maintenance of the scheme. It is another setback for many farmers, but not only that. It also does not benefit nature and the environment. This means that the organization is affiliated with the Dutch Dairymen Board (DDB). He called the loss unacceptable. Chairman Sieta van Keimpema still sees opportunities to exert influence, through the European Parliament and through other Brussels avenues. "The Dutch officials have committed far too little."
Derogation at Remkes on the table
Partly due to her position with the Farmers Defense Force, Van Keimpema believes that the impending derogation problem should be introduced into the consultations between farmers' organizations and Johan Remkes. This with the danger that this man is seen as much more important than he already is. "What we try to secure on the one hand, is taken away from us on the other," she says.
Agriculture foreman Bart Kemp thinks differently. According to him, the talks about the derogation should go through the appropriate political channels, such as the House of Representatives and the European Parliament. Moreover, Prime Minister Rutte is also involved in the matter, he knows.
shadowy committee
They all have the impression that the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality cannot do much more now. The incumbent minister is gone and had already largely given up the fight, the new minister still has to get up to speed. Moreover, the Brussels Nitrate Committee is a shadowy company that is difficult to get to grips with. Also to the frustration of the House of Representatives, as emerged during a recent debate. The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is already preparing for the phasing out of the derogation and is working out a 'transition arrangement'. It is intended to help farmers adapt. The €130 million that has been reserved for it sounds impressive, but is very modest per hectare, Wunnekink has calculated. With a derogation area of 765.000 hectares, this is a tight situation 170 € per hectare.
corn area
The Ministry of LNV wants to use the money, among other things, to prevent an increase in maize acreage. The dairy farm chairman doubts whether that will be possible with the said amount.
Legislation is also being drawn up to maintain the acreage of grassland for grazing livestock. In 2027, this should be 70% of the total area used by this industry, but only half of that 70% need be permanent grassland
Klaas van der Horst
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
