Pig farmers can opt for a halt until mid-May

One of the goals of last year’s nitrogen agreement was to reduce the number of pigs in Flanders by 30 percent by 2030. Pig farmers with an impact score higher than 0.5 percent are therefore given the opportunity to voluntarily stop their business for compensation. EUR 200 million has been allocated for this. The scheme came into effect on April 3 and farmers who want to stop have 45 days to apply. If their file is approved, they have one year to stop the activities. The stable must be demolished or the equipment must be removed. The operator may not subsequently keep pigs in another place.

The aid amount ranges from 16 euros to 838 euros per pig, depending, among other things, on the weight of the animal and the lifespan of the barn. The demolition fee for the stables is a maximum of 40 euros per square meter.

The system is separate from the voluntary buy-out scheme for so-called orange companies. The nitrogen reduction as a result of the scheme for pig farmers is not included in the calculations for the nitrogen agreement and is regarded as a bonus for draining the nitrogen bath more quickly.