A majority of Dutch farmers believe that they have no negative impact on nature, the environment and climate. Six in ten farmers also state that they could not have foreseen nitrogen measures. According to Algemeen Dagblad, this is the result of a representative survey conducted by AgriDirect and Etil Research Group among more than a thousand farmers and horticulturists.
The AD mentions the results remarkable. The nitrogen problem has gripped the Netherlands for a few years now, and farmers are expected to be a major emitter of the solution. Nitrogen mediator Johan Remkes also emphasized that Dutch farmers know very well that something has to be done, and want it to be done.
Already done enough
That turns out to be different. 40 percent of farmers and horticulturists completely disagree with the statement that their sector has a negative impact on nature, the environment and climate. More than a quarter partially disagreed.
Only 2 percent completely agree with the statement. A large majority of farmers also believe that they have already done enough against nitrogen emissions. Only 11 percent say they should or could have foreseen new nitrogen measures.