The government has largely adopted the recommendations from Johan Remkes’ nitrogen report. It just takes more time to stop nitrogen emissions from 500 to 600 so-called peak trucks (farms that emit large amounts of nitrogen) near endangered natural areas.

Nitrogen mediator Remkes says the government should ensure that the 500 to 600 farms near Natura 2000 sites stop within a year, but the cabinet called this “ambitious” in an initial response. After the cabinet meeting, Minister Van der Wal (Stikstof) said the question was “if this is feasible”. She wants to find an answer to that in the coming weeks.

However, Van der Wal and Minister Adema (Agriculture) believe that “targeted and rapid removal” of nitrogen emissions from top-loading trucks can make room for the so-called PAS detectors.

These are the farmers who expanded their operations between 2015 and 2019 based on the Nitrogen Approach Program (PAS). They’re in trouble now because those rules were overruled by the court. The government is now citing the legalization of PAS reports as a priority “in the near term”.

Above all, they want to concentrate on the voluntary work of the peak loaders. In her opinion, this works faster than the forced purchase of cattle breeders, who would resist it, which leads to lengthy procedures.

agricultural agreement

The two cabinet members emphasize that they want to work together with farmers on a sustainable future for agriculture. “We want to use and continue the constructive talks of the summer.”

Among other things, this should mean that an agricultural agreement can be concluded in January or February, as Remkes had advised, including agreements with nature conservation associations and “chain parties” such as supermarkets.

Other points from Remkes’ report are also adopted. For example, the 2030 deadline for a national halving of nitrogen emissions remains, but there are two measurement dates: 2025 and 2028. If it turns out that the reduction cannot be achieved everywhere, a relaxation can be chosen.

In November, the cabinet will continue to respond to Remkes’ advice. Remkes was appointed “conversation leader” ahead of the summer to break the deadlock on the nitrogen crisis. He had countless discussions with farmers, conservation organizations and other stakeholders. He presented his report last Wednesday.