The only revenue model for farmers is doubling prices

A group of scientists believes that nitrogen precipitation should be tackled even more rigorously. It's strange these scientists are talking about nitrogen, but don't think about what's really going on.

Much nature has been created to realize the desired nature of the nature authorities. The wish is very poor nature, where a rare plant can settle. A special plant for the Netherlands, because the Netherlands has naturally fertile, nitrogen-rich soils. After all, the rivers have deposited their fertile sludge on our land for millions of years. In the past, areas of land were impoverished by the farmers, because due to a lack of fertilizers, they sod and graze areas of land. This is how our moors were created. Because there are now fertilizers, the farmers no longer do that and the grasses start growing again in the places where the heath is located. In order to realize the desired nature, our nature managers have taken a very drastic approach. They have excavated the complete cultivation layer, which has arisen over millions of years, with the idea of ​​realizing poor nature again. The consequences of this nature management are disastrous for all forms of plants. After all, by removing the cultivation layer, the soil has lost its fertility.

Grassland is a top performer in capturing CO2
In addition to nitrogen, all other minerals necessary for plant growth have been lost. The rare plant also hardly wants to grow anymore and the desired nature is not realized. It is very easy to say: nitrogen is to blame for covering up the mismanagement of nature reserves. If you want to save nature, drastic measures are needed. Such as fertilizing with lime, gypsum or rock flour and rebuilding a cultivation layer. So that nature can retain minerals again, and don't forget water. I even read an article that nature managers are spreading nitrogen in their nature reserves, to see whether they can achieve better nature in this way. The scientists are also not talking about global warming and water retention.

Far away, our farmers' lands store the most CO2 and water, much more than forests. The nature reserves that were created for desired nature do not capture CO2 and water at all. Grassland in particular is a top performer in capturing CO2 and water. If you are going to convert agricultural land into nature or built-up areas, this will actually amplify global warming and a loss of water. Government, this can't be the intention, can it? Do not be guided by the nature authorities, but first take a course - given by an independent body that knows the business - so that you can make an informed decision. This also applies to the members of the Council of State. Take the abolition of the derogation. The consequences are an increase in CO2 and loss of water, because the farmers will convert their grassland into maize land for optimal nutrition of their livestock.

Halving the livestock is doubling the food price
Don't forget: our farmers harvest a cut of grass six times. In the other EU countries, farmers are happy with two to three cuts of grass. If you compare these yields, the derogation is still more than normal. In order to continue to realize these yields, much more fertilizer will be needed, resulting in a significant increase in CO2. For example, food prices turn out even higher due to the extra costs. Agriculture minister Henk Staghouwer had promised to publish a plan with a revenue model for the farmers, who according to the map of nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal should start farming in an environmentally friendly way. Logically, he left. The only revenue model with a halving of the livestock is more than a doubling of the prices. How can the consumer still pay for this? Do half the Dutch population have to report to the food bank? But, how does the food bank still get food?

The Dutch farmer can actually be the solution to the CO2 problem, capturing water and nature. Let him burp as much as possible and stimulate him to get the organic matter of his soil as high as possible. Consult and pay him if he builds and manages nature on part of his land.

Jaap Major
Low Zuthem

Boerenbusiness

Under Boerenbusiness opinions are posted from authors who, in principle, give their opinion once Boerenbusiness.nl or from people who prefer to remain anonymous. Name and place of residence are always known to the editors.

© 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.