The government of the Netherlands has announced that it will introduce a land-based standard of 2.6 livestock units per hectare (LU/ha) to “future-proof dairy farming” as part of a new package of measures for the agriculture sector.

The government has said it is coming up with standards that farmers can use to manage the reduction of nitrogen emissions themselves.

For dairy farms, this standard is set at 0.164 kilogrammes of ammonia per phosphate right and standards for poultry, pig and veal farms will be set by early 2027.

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The standard is based on what farmers can realistically achieve with the best available techniques, for example by making adjustments to feed, housing, manure use, extensification and voluntary terminations, among others.

Some €2bn in funding will be available to support these changes.

The government is also opting for a more targeted approach in terms of desiccation, fragmentation of nature and water quality.

As part of this measure, zones will be set up in vulnerable, nitrogen-sensitive nature areas, with an approach to prevent further deterioration of nature, water and soil quality.

Nature restoration

The government is dedicating €2.2bn in funding for nature restoration, with €100m being allocated in 2026 for rapid implementation of such projects.

Additionally, €250m is set to be allocated towards nitrogen-reducing measures in industry and transport sectors, with a target of 50% nitrogen reduction set for 2035.

These measures will include a zoning approach for industry around vulnerable nature areas, cleaner construction and inland shipping and a new opening of the ammonia emissions reduction industry scheme.

Organics

The government has said it will also push for more farmers to convert to organic farming by involving supermarkets and other supply chain parties to purchase more organic and sustainable food products.

Farmers require confidence in a strong growth of demand for organic produce to make the switch.

Therefore, the government is aiming to make agreements on this with supermarkets and processors by April 2027 and if no agreement is made, statutory incentives will follow as of January 2029.