Dutch farmers are in favor
The Dutch Farmers' Association (LTO) welcomes the plans of the new Minister of Agriculture. She wants to present a plan to deal with the fertilizer crisis in her country in September. As she explained during the parliamentary debate in early July, her predecessor's proposals should also be taken into account.
They provide for, among other things, the downward adjustment of the upper limits of fertilizer production set out in national fertilizer law to EU requirements by 2025 and an increase in percentage fees for trade in phosphorus and animal production rights. Other points include adapted livestock feeding and the connection of livestock to grasslands.
Exit program for pet owners
It is also about introducing a new exit program for animal owners who want to voluntarily end production in exchange for multi-billion compensation. According to Wiersma, it is still unclear whether this long-term program can take effect as planned in 2025.
The minister also supported the use of nitrogen fertilizers obtained from animal excrements (renure). At the meeting of the EU Council of Ministers of Agriculture in Brussels, it wants to start new negotiations on the expiring regulations excluding the use of nitrogen from manure in the Netherlands.
What are renure products?
Renure products are organic fertilizers that are partially or completely obtained from animal excrement through processing. They are a key tool to replace synthetic/inorganic fertilisers, increase circularity on farms and increase the resilience of food systems as they rely on locally available resources, while protecting Europe's environment and waters.
The head of the department also announced in a letter to the second chamber of the Dutch parliament that she would emphasize the importance of high production standards in trade agreements with third countries at the EU level. With ongoing negotiations with Thailand in mind, Wiersma called for caution when granting additional market access to sensitive sectors such as poultry meat. For example, market access to eggs and egg products should be linked to compliance with EU animal welfare standards for laying hens.
LTO calls for more housing for migrant workers
Wiersma's trade policy plans are almost identical to the demands of the Dutch Farmers' Association (LTO). He recently advocated stopping the import of agricultural products, the production of which in the Netherlands is prohibited in the same way. In addition, the association says it is also in discussion with the Minister of Infrastructure and Water, Barry Madlener, regarding an alternative interpretation and adaptation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).
The LTO also praised the new government's ambitions to ease the burden on employers in agriculture and horticulture. In recent years, stringent laws and regulations, high administrative burdens and skyrocketing labor costs have made life difficult for employers.
The LTO also positively assessed that the new cabinet still considers labor migration to be necessary. In the future, employers will likely have an even greater responsibility than before to provide accommodation for their international employees. The cabinet has already expressed its support for providing more living space on farms and horticulture.
