Video: Dutch farmers protest government nitrogen plans along major highways
Farmers started protesting Monday afternoon against the Dutch government’s nitrogen reduction plans, Omroep Brabant reports. The demonstrations with tractors are taking place along the A16 highway near the Moerdijk Bridge and the A27 near the Merwedebrug in Werkendam.
Around 20 tractors have positioned themselves near the Merwedebrug. Protesters on the tractors are displaying upside-down Dutch flags and carrying signs with messages including “Help” and “#ProudOfTheFarmer.” A spokesperson for one of the groups behind the action, Agractie, says protesters are deliberately avoiding blocking bridges or entering the highways. “This is the start of the actions. We want to keep it public-friendly because we need the public’s support,” the spokesperson says.
The action is organized by several agricultural groups, including Agractie, a farmers’ advocacy organization and protest group; the dairy farmers’ union; and fishing protest group EMK. The groups are demanding that Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen withdraw the government’s nitrogen plans.
According to Agractie, more protests may follow if the group’s demands are not met. The organization has already announced a nationwide demonstration day on Aug. 14 in Den Bosch.
The protests are targeting the Cabinet’s nitrogen policy package, which was introduced on June 26. The government says the plans aim to reduce nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands and restore damaged nature.
Under the proposals, farmers must reduce nitrogen emissions by 42 percent to 46 percent by 2035. Starting that year, limits will apply to the maximum emissions allowed from farms, including ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions.
The plans also set limits on livestock density. By 2035, for example, farmers may keep a maximum of 2.6 cows per hectare. The government is also introducing zones around areas that are sensitive to nitrogen pollution.
