The measures presented by the cabinet to reduce nitrogen emissions are not a solution, according to chairman of the Limburg Agricultural and Horticultural Association (LLTB) Léon Faassen.
“All those billions that the cabinet is now going to spend will not solve anything if they are spent on buyout. The return is many times greater if it is invested in innovation and perspective for the sector,” he responds to the plans.
Also read: Nitrogen emissions in Limburg must be more than halved
Farmers
Minister Christianne van der Wal (Nature and Nitrogen) sent the ‘directive objectives’ per area to the House of Representatives on Friday. They are drastic for mainly farmers. In Limburg, the nitrogen must be more than halved. In protected natural areas, emissions must even be reduced by at least 95 percent, and in the ring around these areas by 70 percent.
‘Social economic disaster’
According to Faassen, the measures announced by the cabinet are causing a ‘socio-economic disaster’ in Limburg. “And don’t think that only farmers and horticulturists are thrown in front of the bus here; every Limburger will notice this.”
Three options
All provinces must make clear before 1 July 2023 how they intend to achieve the nitrogen targets. They will demand the greatest sacrifice from livestock farmers. According to the RIVM, these are still responsible for 41 percent of the nitrogen precipitation in sensitive nature areas. Van der Wal sees three options for farmers in vulnerable areas: make their business (further) more sustainable, relocate or stop.
Also read: Province: ‘We want to continue to offer farmers perspective’
According to Faassen, South Limburg is one of the worst affected areas. “The consequences of this decision are greater than those of the mine closure. Also, the characteristic and characteristic landscape, for which many tourists come to the region, is prey to these crazy ideas.”
Indirect Consequences
The chairman of the LLTB also warns against the indirect consequences of the measures. “More than 50,000 people work in the agricultural sector in Limburg. Where there is no work, people leave and shops and schools close.”