A pig farmer in Harskamp has been granted permission by the municipal executive board to build a new barn. The company will emit 48% less nitrogen than currently. Odor nuisance and fine dust emissions will also decrease. This is an important condition set by the Municipality of Ede to support agricultural business development.
Alderman Jan Pieter van der Schans: The Municipality of Ede is eager to cooperate on good future plans for agricultural businesses. It is important that nitrogen emissions are significantly reduced. This plan combines all of that: good for nature and the entrepreneur can move forward again.
Air Scrubber
The new barn will have an air scrubber, a system that reduces ammonia emissions. An existing barn will also be connected to an air scrubber. As a result, the company will emit 48% less ammonia in total compared to the current situation.
Animal Welfare
The company needs a new barn because, from 2035, so-called free-farrowing pens will be mandatory. Sows will have more space in the barn, which is good for animal welfare. Therefore, the new barn will be larger than the old one. Because the larger barn offers the entrepreneur future prospects, contributes to a significant reduction in ammonia emissions, and fits well into the environment, the municipality supports the plan.
Pilot Business Plans
The agricultural entrepreneur participated in the Pilot Business Plans. The pilot was an initiative of municipalities, the province of Gelderland, the Vallei and Veluwe water board, and the Ministry of LVVN to offer farmers more future prospects. The entrepreneurs received support in making a future plan for their company. Afterwards, an independent expert panel assessed whether the plan is future-proof. The entrepreneur from Harskamp received a positive evaluation of his plans.
Binding Advisory Rights
The plan will be submitted to the municipal council at the beginning of 2026. The council has binding advisory rights.