News item | 20-09-2022 | 15:20
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) will start working on a number of major tasks in 2023. These are difficult, uncertain times for farmers, horticulturists and fishermen. Dutch nature must be restored and strengthened. That requires a new balance. We are working on a future in which farmers, horticulturists and fishermen can earn their living by producing good and sustainable food within the limits of nature, the environment and climate.
Rebalancing agriculture and nature requires radical choices. The unrest of recent times and the many conversations that have taken place show that farmers above all need clarity. A new balance sheet also requires a new revenue model. The position of the farmer in the chain must be strengthened. Everyone has a contribution to make, from farmers and government to all parties that supply and purchase products from farmers, such as feed suppliers, processors, banks and supermarkets. This will be further elaborated in the coming period.
Making agriculture, horticulture and fishing more sustainable
In 2023, a total of 340 million euros will be reserved in the current budget of LNV for support aimed at making livestock farming more sustainable and reducing nitrogen deposition through various voluntary termination schemes.
For technical innovation, LNV proposes components of the Subsidy Modules for sustainable barn and management measures (Sbv) also in 2023 Open; 29 million euros has been set aside for this in 2023. Livestock farmers can use this to develop innovative techniques and management measures and then apply them more widely. This should result in a reduction in ammonia, methane, odor and particulate emissions, which will also benefit biodiversity. Attention is also paid to improving animal welfare and fire safety.
To make the fishing industry future-proof, 181 million euros is available in 2023 – as part of a total budget for the coming years of 444 million euros – to achieve a smaller, more sustainable and more diverse fleet.
A budget of 77 million euros is available in 2023 for greenhouse horticulture and resilient plants and cultivation systems. A large part of this is intended for subsidies in the field of energy saving and sustainable energy in greenhouse horticulture.
Area-oriented approach
In 2023, the area-oriented approach in rural areas will also be central. Areas in the Netherlands differ enormously from each other and the state of nature, soil conditions, water quality and nitrogen precipitation also differ per area. That requires customization. That is why the cabinet is working with provinces, municipalities, water boards, entrepreneurs and site managers in an area-oriented approach on programs to achieve the targets in the areas of nitrogen, water quality, soil, climate and biodiversity. The approach is described in the National Program for Rural Areas and consists of both national and area-specific measures.
In collaboration with local parties, provinces draw up cohesive area programs that will be ready by 1 July 2023 at the latest. All sectors make a proportional contribution to the nitrogen reduction tasks, so in addition to agriculture, industry, construction and mobility also make a contribution. Goals are also set for this.
Transition fund rural area and nature
In addition to existing resources, 24.3 billion euros is available up to and including 2035 in a Transition Fund for a coherent approach to nitrogen, water and climate and the transition of agriculture in rural areas. In order to accommodate the provinces as early as 2022 and 2023 and to accelerate the approach, 504 million euros have been made available to get started as soon as possible.
A coordinating organization has been set up to support central government, provinces and local authorities in the transition to future-proof agriculture and a vital rural area. In addition, on September 19, 2022, the Ecological Authority was launched to advise on broad ecological issues.
PAS detectors
The cabinet is making 250 million euros available before 2023 for the legalization of PAS notifications. With these resources, provinces can take measures to reduce nitrogen, so that nitrogen space is created, so that entrepreneurs with PAS notifications can obtain a nature permit.
Investing in nature restoration
In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality will continue to work together with many other parties to protect, restore and strengthen nature. This will be done by accelerating the realization of the Netherlands Nature Network and by implementing the Nature Program for nature areas that are sensitive to nitrogen. In 2023, 300 million euros have been made available for the Nature Programme. Part of this is the Nature Inclusive Agenda, to give nature a place not only in rural areas, but also in the city and society as a whole.