Dutch Government's New Measures Aim to Cut Nitrogen Emissions

2025-04-25 green

Amsterdam, Friday, 25 April 2025.
The Dutch cabinet proposes moving or closing farms in key areas to reduce nitrogen emissions, requiring 4 to 7 billion euros in funding controversially not yet secured.

Initial Funding Package

Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma has announced a €2.2 billion initial funding package for nitrogen reduction measures [1]. This includes €600 million allocated for farmers willing to reduce livestock numbers or acquire land, and €750 million for voluntary cessation programs [2]. The initiative particularly targets areas around De Veluwe and De Peel nature reserves, where farms will need to either relocate or cease operations [3].

Emission Reduction Targets

The government has set ambitious reduction targets, aiming for a 50% decrease in nitrogen emissions from industry, mobility, and construction sectors by 2035, compared to 2019 levels. The agricultural sector faces a targeted reduction of 42-46% [4]. The North Holland province alone has requested €450 million for protective measures around nitrogen-sensitive natural areas, highlighting the scale of regional funding needs [5].

Environmental Opposition

Environmental organizations have voiced strong criticism of the plans. Greenpeace Netherlands director Andy Palmen has characterized it as ‘yet another vague plan presented with much fanfare.’ The organization recently won a court case mandating that by 2030, nitrogen deposits must not exceed natural tolerance levels in half of nitrogen-sensitive areas [6]. The delayed timeline to 2035 has drawn particular criticism from environmental groups who argue it contradicts court rulings [7].

Implementation Challenges

The cabinet is developing a new permit system expected to be introduced after summer 2025 [8]. This system will take a more comprehensive approach, considering not only nitrogen deposits but also other environmental factors such as drought [9]. While initial funding has been secured, the total estimated cost of 4.800 billion euros remains unfunded [alert! ‘Final funding arrangements pending government approval’].

Bronnen

Nitrogen reduction Agriculture policy