The cabinet is deploying heavy artillery to achieve the climate goals in 2030. This time it seems to be aimed at the industry and motorists. Ultimately, agriculture cannot escape measures either, said climate minister Rob Jetten on Wednesday. Farmers are only given respite when it comes to identifying concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Waiting for the farmers themselves. A number of interest groups, such as LTO, but also the organic farmers’ club, have been talking to civil servants, nature organizations and the food industry regarding the future of agriculture for a few months now. Plans need to be made regarding climate, cleaner water, healthy soil, less nitrogen and how farmers will be able to earn enough money in the future.

If an agricultural agreement is reached at all, the question is whether the agreements go far enough to achieve the reduction targets for carbon dioxide. Climate minister Rob Jetten said on Wednesday that he is waiting to see what comes out. If an agreement is not reached or if it is insufficient, the cabinet itself will take the initiative, he says. The aim is for the agricultural sector to reduce emissions by 5 megatons of carbon dioxide by 2030. Now the emissions are 23 megatons.

Difficult conversations

After the cabinet previously announced that it would wait for the outcome of negotiations on an agricultural agreement before taking nitrogen measures, Jetten is now also putting further pressure on the parties. Conversations are difficult. Nevertheless, Minister of Agriculture Piet Adema hopes that an agreement will be on his desk by mid-May.

Greenhouse gases are caused in agriculture by, among other things, the formation of methane via manure. The artificially low water level also leads to oxidation of the peat, which means that greenhouse gases escape and the soil subsides. Furthermore, greenhouse horticulture is an important energy user and therefore a major distributor of carbon dioxide.

What options does the government have? Reduction of the livestock population is at the top of the pile of possible measures. Jetten believes that 1 of the 5 megaton reduction can be achieved by buying out farmers. The cabinet is also considering raising the water level in part of the peat meadow area. One measure is already clear for greenhouse horticulture: there will be a CO2 levy, but on the other hand horticulturists can receive extra subsidies for energy savings.

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