The government’s nitrogen proposals are far-reaching, “but desperately needed,” according to Caring Farmers, an association of sustainable farmers, following an assessment of the plans by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). Among its findings, the PBL concluded that a compulsory reduction in livestock numbers is currently required to cut nitrogen emissions adequately by 2035.
“After decades of kicking the can down the road and failing to tackle the issues, we must now go through a transition—and transitions are tough. But together we can manage it,” Caring Farmers stated. The group is calling for a supporting food policy that encourages healthier eating and fair pricing: “A food policy that ensures humane and sustainable plant-based farming is commercially viable.” This approach would enable the government to share the responsibility across the market, the supply chain, and consumers, “so that farmers do not have to shoulder the transition on their own.”
Caring Farmers hopes that pioneering producers will be protected as far as possible as the details of the policy are finalised.
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