Dutch government drafts tough nitrogen plan, prompting massive farmer tractor protests

Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the country must break the “nitrogen deadlock” to restart housing, farming and road permits, prompting the cabinet to draft a comprehensive nitrogen package due June 26. The plan, assembled by the Taskforce Agriculture, Nature and Nitrogen together with senior ministers and deputy prime ministers, calls for a 42-46% cut in agricultural nitrogen emissions relative to 2019 levels and threatens loss of livestock or phosphate rights, as well as permit revocations when farms are transferred outside the family.

Coalition partners debate the size of exclusion zones around Natura 2000 sites such as De Peel and the Veluwe, with proposals ranging from 250 m to 500 m buffers. Farmers have staged massive tractor rallies on the A27, A16, A2 and in towns including Borculo and ’s-Hertogenbosch, protesting the possible revocation of permits for five poultry farms in North Brabant. The package also mandates 50% cuts for industry and transport sectors over nine years. Authorities warn that public dissatisfaction is high and further protests are likely.