The package of letters about the nitrogen crisis that the cabinet has presented today causes mixed feelings among deputy Henk Jumelet. The tone pleases the CDA director, but he is also left with many question marks.
The cabinet announced that it would make a one-off relatively favorable offer to large emitters of nitrogen to voluntarily buy them out. But if in the autumn of 2023 it turns out that this scheme does not do enough to achieve the nitrogen targets, the government will proceed to a forced buy-out. This should create space for other activities that cause nitrogen emissions, such as building houses and roads.
“The tone in the letters sent today indicates that the cabinet is looking for connection and cooperation. And that is good,” Drents deputy Jumelet responds. According to him, the plans for the nitrogen approach deserve much more elaboration in the near future. “There are still many unanswered questions and there is a great need for concretization.”
This includes a concrete solution for the PAS reporters. These are farmers who, under the old policy, were allowed to set up or expand their business with only a notification, and therefore without a permit. These companies cannot do anything about the fact that they are now in violation. The cabinet wants to legalize PAS reporters quickly.
As far as Jumelet is concerned, more haste must be made to provide clarity to this group. “As far as we are concerned, a solution will soon be found for the PAS reporters and interim workers. A clear perspective for the farmers is necessary. They must receive sufficient support to make the desired choices.” The government is now making 250 million available for provinces to try to find a solution such as legalization for PAS companies.
Jumelet is positive about the agricultural agreement that the cabinet wants to conclude with farmers, nature organizations and local authorities, among others. This agreement should lead to agreements with which farmers can make a transition to a greener sector by 2040. “It is an important agreement that is being prepared with the agricultural sector and will be concluded in March 2023,” says Jumelet.
Money is immediately available for farmers who want to quickly become more sustainable. The agricultural agreement must show what additional amounts will be required later on.