Two political parties with the most farmer support are diametrically opposed to each other on the derogation issue. BBB wants to pound the table in Brussels to enforce a new derogation.
At the CDA they say they do not believe in fairy tales and do not want to throw sand in the eyes of dairy farmers. Not that they are not in favor of derogation, but according to their political assessment, Dutch dairy farmers should not expect leniency from Brussels.
An interesting clash, because who is right? And above all: what is sensible? Especially now that the outgoing cabinet wants to allocate 3 billion euros as a social safety net for livestock farmers who cannot or do not want to keep their heads above water as a result of the manure crisis.
BBB finds the plans ‘ridiculous’ and unnecessary, because the derogation could be restored. This is in contrast to almost all other parties.
BBB says what most livestock farmers hope for
Esther de Snoo, editor-in-chief Nieuwe Oogst
Even outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte got involved in the manure discussion. He confirmed the picture painted by the CDA. Banging your fist on the table no longer helps in Brussels. The Netherlands must first improve water quality.
There is no more to it than granting that an additional 100 kilos of nitrogen from processed manure – renure – may be spread per hectare on top of the standard of 170 kilos from manure.
BBB says what most livestock farmers hope for. The question is on what basis the party makes this assessment. Inquiries have not yet revealed a concrete answer. Is it the electoral rush after winning in previous elections?
European politics will be more right-wing after the elections. Hopefully also more farmer-friendly. But right-wing politicians will mainly put their own (farmer) interests first. That is not necessarily a favorable prospect for Dutch farmers and gardeners, who stand head and shoulders above their European colleagues.
Tags: derogation fairy tale reality
