The nitrogen problem in the Netherlands can be resolved if the government makes tough choices, sets clear goals, and takes a robust package of measures. Therefore, the municipalities in the Foodvalley region have proposed a package of solutions to the ministerial committee seeking a way out of the nitrogen crisis that has lasted six years.
The Municipality of Ede, together with the Foodvalley region and Foodlog, took the initiative in February for a solution conference. Initiator Alderman Jan Pieter van der Schans stated: We do not want to wait for what the ministerial committee led by Prime Minister Schoof will come up with, but to contribute ourselves to a breakthrough. Based on the conference, we propose a package of cohesive solutions to overcome the nitrogen crisis. Our message to the cabinet is clear: set clear goals and take firm measures. This gives farmers perspective, allows us to build homes that are in great demand, and enables nature to recover.
Better Management
The municipalities advocate returning to basics, the legal obligation to maintain nature in Natura 2000 areas such as the Veluwe. Reducing nitrogen emissions is important but is not the end goal: it is about ensuring that nature does not deteriorate. Therefore, the municipalities advocate a combination of measures: withdrawing unused permits, better management in nature areas, and establishing nitrogen-poor zones of, for example, 500 meters around nitrogen-sensitive nature.
Reduction of Nitrogen Emissions
One of the main conclusions during the solution conference was that urgent policy is needed to initiate a lasting reduction in nitrogen emissions. This policy has been halted by the current cabinet. All sectors must contribute to this, but in the livestock-dense Foodvalley region, the key lies mainly in agriculture. Van der Schans: Experts concluded that a reduction of 20 to 30 percent of the number of animals in the Netherlands is necessary. We do not think that is the biggest challenge. That reduction has already begun, and a large number of farmers without successors want to stop in the coming years. We must guide this carefully. If we do not, some sectors like dairy farming will fall below the critical threshold. Therefore, we need area-specific termination schemes instead of generic schemes. This is of great importance for our region. We can then take major steps and maintain the critical mass of our agricultural sector.
Emission Cap per Area
The municipalities also advocate setting an emission cap per area. This gives municipalities the space to steer which developments, in which location, under which conditions are desired. Van der Schans: We can then determine per area together with farmers, other entrepreneurs, and landowners which activities can take place where, but also provide clarity about what cannot. Such a cap is crucial: we need a common goal. That has been missing for years.
Farmer in Position
An additional advantage is that with a clear goal in sight, farmers also regain perspective. Van der Schans: In our proposal, we focus on nitrogen emissions but reduce the regulatory burden. The farmer can determine much more as a craftsman how to achieve his goal. During the solution conference, beautiful examples of this were presented. The use of antibiotics in the sector has significantly decreased without any legislation underlying it.