A first round of talks between the Dutch government and the farming community on Friday resulted in little progress on the plan to cut nitrogen emissions, including a reduction in livestock and possible expropriations, according to several participants.
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The anger in this country, the second largest agricultural exporter in the world behind the USA, does not stop: In the past few weeks, farmers have blocked highways, dumped manure and garbage, set straw bales on fire and demonstrated in front of the houses of several political leaders.
The president of the main Dutch agricultural union (LTO), Sjaak van der Tak, reported “some movement” after the first round of discussions, but “really too little” for the sector: “The ball is in the cabinet’s camp,” he said, quoted by the ANP news agency.
“Prepare for the toughest actions the Farmers Defense Force (FDF) has ever taken,” the FDF, known for being radical, warned.
There is a “serious crisis of confidence”, “deeper than the current nitrogen debate,” said mediator Johan Remkes, who led heated negotiations to form a government last year.
The Netherlands is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in Europe, especially nitrogen.
A situation partly due to the many herds grazing on its plains.
The government’s plan calls for cutting nitrogen emissions by up to 70% in 131 key areas, mostly near nature reserves and protected areas, to meet environmental targets by 2030.
The government, which aims to reduce nitrogen emissions by 50% by 2030, has warned that expropriations should not be ruled out, a very sensitive measure that is fueling the agricultural spin-off.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday apologized for the cabinet’s “nitrogen map” showing key areas to protect, admitting it had caused “major confusion” among farmers.
The farmers’ vocal opposition is gaining growing support from abroad, including former US President Donald Trump and populists who are joining their cause.