Politicians judge too quickly about air washers

The Producers Organization for Pig Farming (POV) believes that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management wants to tighten up the emission standards for combi air scrubbers much too quickly. The POV calls for talks with the sector first.

The ministry has made amendments to the 'Odor Nuisance and Livestock Farming Regulations' and the 'Ammonia and Livestock Farming Regulations'. This is because from a recent report of Wageningen Economic Research (WUR) shows that that combined air washers much less odor reduction than originally thought. The adjustments have been consulted by the ministry and are now available for inspection until 30 May.

For biological air scrubbers, the ministry proposes to halve the reduction percentage (to 45%). The same applies to combi air scrubbers. For a number of chemical air scrubbers, the reduction percentage is more than halved (up to 30%).

No scientific foundation
The POV believes that the ministry is working too fast. According to POV chairman Ingrid Jansen, there are scientific comments to be made about the report. That is why she calls for further research before the legislation is amended. For example, the parliamentary questions (which were asked in mid-April) about the scientific foundation of the report have not yet been answered.

Jansen also believes that State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven does not take into account the investments that pig farmers have made in recent years. A possible tightening of the legislation would be a no-brainer for the further sustainability of pig farming. The POV therefore calls on the ministry not to make hasty decisions and to first enter into discussions with the sector.

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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