Farmers concerned about the consequences of the nitrogen plan

The measures are particularly drastic for pig and chicken farmers. Hendrik Vandamme, ABS West Flanders: “If I compare that with what is on the table in the Netherlands – 25 billion – to reduce livestock farms, 3.6 billion is little. We will see what happens with it and how it is distributed. is going to be.”

Nitrogen dioxide in the air and ammonia from manure that goes into the soil are harmful to people and the environment. Agriculture accounts for well over half of all nitrogen emissions. The 40 most polluting companies – with a red card – have to close by 2025. Others can continue if they invest in technological solutions or reduce their livestock. “It will be very important that the administration handles the affected farmers in a sensible way. Also that previous investments, the age of company leaders, possible succession, young people who are busy are taken into account. These are all things that have to be taken into account. should be included in the amounts to be paid out.”

Many West Flemish farmers are now located near protected nature reserves. Every year, Flanders also provides a pot of 100 million euros from which cities and municipalities can draw when land is repurposed.