Nature and environmental organizations react moderately positively after the conversation with nitrogen mediator Johan Remkes, which was held today at the provincial government house in Den Bosch. The national departments of Natuurmonumenten, Mobilization for the Environment (MOB) and Milieudefensie speak of a ‘good conversation’ or are reassured.
In the run-up to previous talks with agricultural organizations, the cabinet indicated that there are ‘no taboos’. That statement instilled some fear, and made Natuurmonumenten, among others, a bit restless, said director of Nature Management Teo Wams.
The attitude adopted by the cabinet this afternoon leads to some relief. The goals should not be further tampered with, also emphasizes Natuurmonumenten colleague Jan Gorter from the provincial branch in Drenthe.
Furthermore, the actions of Remkes and the cabinet are mainly criticized by Gorter. Prior to the consultation, the former VVD politician said that ‘the farmers’ and nature organizations are diametrically opposed’. According to Gorter, that message is not correct. “Whether the goals should be weakened and delayed or accelerated and maintained: we differ on that. But we agree on the most important thing: the perspective for the farmers. That lacks attention.”
According to Gorter, the lack of a clear future vision for agriculture is where the agricultural and nature organizations find each other. “In our view, it is not the intention that areas are looted and that we say goodbye to all farmers. It is about farming differently, and how we do that.”
Concrete plans and instruments to subsequently develop them, a lot can still be done in that area. Gorter points to coaches who help farmers make the transition to more sustainable agriculture and higher compensation for nature and water management and the storage of CO2. But other partners involved, such as Rabobank, FrieslandCampina and ForFarmers must also contribute to the farmer’s revenue model.