Foreman Mark van den Oever of Farmers Defense Force (FDF) has confidence in farmer partner LTO Nederland when it comes to the discussion this organization has with the cabinet on Friday about the nitrogen plans. According to Van den Oever, who lives in Sint Hubert, ‘hard agreements’ have been made between the farmers’ organizations about the consultation. He did not want to elaborate on what kind of agreements it concerns late Wednesday evening.
On Wednesday evening, after hours of deliberation, it was announced that LTO will enter into discussions with nitrogen broker Johan Remkes on behalf of the distrustful farmers. According to Van den Oever, the farmers’ organizations are “on the same page” regarding the content.
The FDF leader says that “one front” was formed during the farmers’ consultation that took place in Nijkerk. According to him, there was a lot of discussion “about the implementation”, including about who should sit at the table with Remkes.
New promotions not excluded
LTO will provide feedback on the progress of the conversation to the other farmers’ organizations on Friday. Only then does Van den Oever want to see what FDF will do. “All options are on the table,” he says. He also does not rule out farmers’ campaigns in the near future. “Farmers are on the edge of their seats.”
‘Nitrogen deadline can be 5 years later’
On the eve of the discussion with farmers about nitrogen policy, a political opening seems to have arisen. The goal of halving emissions by 2030 can, if necessary, be shifted to 2035, government parties say according to the AD.
“2030 is a purely political choice,” a coalition source told the newspaper. “The 25 billion that has been set aside for this operation also runs until 2035, so in that sense there is a parenthesis. And the objection to those ambitious reduction targets will also melt away if you let go of 2030.”
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