EU denies new manure exemption for Dutch farmers; Minister calls it “disappointing”

Dutch farmers will not receive a new exemption from EU manure regulations. Caretaker Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma had requested the exception from European Commissioner Jessika Roswall, but the request was denied. Wiersma informed the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, and called the European Commission’s decision “very disappointing.”

For years, the Netherlands benefited from a special exemption on the amount of manure farmers could apply. However, this exception came under scrutiny, partly because some farmers abused the additional quota. The country’s insufficient protection of nature from nitrogen compounds like ammonia, which manure contributes to significantly, also played a role.

The so-called derogation has been gradually reduced over the past years and will expire entirely after this year, meaning farmers will be allowed to spread far less manure on their land. Securing a new derogation was a key priority for the BBB, which intended to “bang the table” in Brussels to advocate for it. The likelihood of success, however, was always considered very low.

Wiersma states that she is reflecting on Roswall’s decision and the “possible next steps.” She plans to issue a more detailed response shortly after the Christmas recess. In her letter to the Tweede Kamer, the minister emphasizes that retaining some form of derogation “adds value for both agriculture and the environment.”

For 2025, this means that farmers holding derogation permits can still apply slightly more than the standard amount, around 190–200 kg of nitrogen per hectare, but starting in 2026, the uniform limit of 170 kg will apply to all Dutch farmers.

Over the past few years, farmers have experienced a gradual scaling back of derogation rules, resulting in larger manure surpluses and greater strain on policies aimed at protecting water and natural habitats.

Manure surpluses are putting growing pressure on farmers. With reduced spreading allowances, more manure needs to be transported or treated, creating both logistical and financial challenges for the agricultural sector.