Background Nitrogen mood
Confusing new data RIVM and dairy front diverge
While discussions continue at the agricultural tables, there is also a lot of work being done in the background on the data that will be used for, among other things, these consultations. An important chunk of new data was put on the table by the RIVM at the end of last week. In our weekly section Nitrogen Mood, we give an impression of the nitrogen crisis in our own way.
After some hassle about calculation errors anyway updated Aerius version was published for this year, together with a report on it. Important changes are according to This report a shift of the calculated deposition exceedances from the west of the Netherlands to the east and south of the country. Incidentally, this is done area-neutral, the RIVM adds. The number of overused hectares remains the same, but can be found elsewhere.
predictable effect
The RIVM has made neat sums for this, but the predictable happens. Everyone outside the Randstad has something to say about it and has their own thoughts about it. Doubts were even expressed in the mostly 'left' oriented Trouw. RIVM is therefore still in a vulnerable position. After the bumbling with the top 100s for Nitrogen and Ammonia – an idea from Member of Parliament Laura Bromet – an independent committee would be set up to restore the reliability of the institute. This is still being discussed by the Ministers of Nitrogen and Nature and of Public Health. Apparently it is a difficult task.
Departmental emissions closer together
RIVM is doing its best. In the previous version there was still a great deal of difference in the calculated impact between emissions that fall under the responsibility of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and those that are used for agriculture and nature. In the latest version, RIVM allows these to converge. Whether this will deter MOB's Johan Vollenbroek from a lawsuit remains to be seen. It is also striking that RIVM hardly talks about margins of uncertainty anymore, where there were plenty of them in the previous versions.
Which is difficult for RIVM, that sister organization Planning Office for the Living Environment also new figures has released. There is also something strange about it. The Dutch herd continues to decline and that smaller herd therefore emits fewer emissions. So far clear. What happens afterwards, possibly in the air, is less easy to explain, but it does coincide with what RIVM ultimately concludes: livestock farming and agriculture do cause more deposition.
With results like this, the question arises more and more whether this is pure science or science to order. Now the selective use of data is almost as old as the road to Rome, but it is still very common. It is a pity that they mainly help in self-affirmation.
LTO talks at different tables
The consultations around the agricultural tables will not help either, although other matters are also discussed there. It seems that the most involved parties mean business. Many details are not disclosed and LTO chairman Sjaak van der Tak does not mention it in his weekly chat, but suddenly there was talk of an AVV. An agricultural agreement to be reached should be confirmed with a General Binding Declaration.
This caused quite a bit of commotion, because how should that be done and with which parties can there be enough support for such a thing?
Van der Tak also said something remarkable about what he did say, namely that LTO participates in the discussions at the main table and – on behalf of arable farming and poultry farming – at the side tables. Apparently not every sector wants the national bureau to speak for it or, conversely, not every sector is strong enough to stand up for itself.
Dairy front
LTO dairy farming initially seemed to choose its own position. A joint sector position would be propagated via ZuivelNL and together with 7 other livestock farming parties. An analysis by ZuivelNL of all claims in the agricultural area and all wishes of the cabinet shows that at least a quarter of a million and possibly even 400.000 hectares are at stake for (dairy) livestock farming and a loss of 35% of current milk production. so would the income sharply backwards to go.
Cold water
Unacceptable, according to most livestock farming parties. NMV chairman Henk Bleker even suggested Minister Adema and the cabinet an ultimatum. Erwin Wunnekink, chairman of LTO dairy farming and former FrieslandCampina director, quickly poured cold water on the matter with an app to the supporters. He does not want to break, but keep talking, he indicated. Van der Tak will like that. Unity in the livestock sector broken, but back in the LTO pen.
Klaas van der Horst
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