It is also not the case that RIVM itself makes recommendations for measures to reduce emissions, Van Luijk explains. “The ministry makes the policy. As a knowledge institute, we calculate the effects of their proposed measures. But in the end, the ministry itself decides whether to continue with them.”
It is true that two different models are used for measuring emissions in nature areas for industry and road traffic. The Hordijk Committee, which examines the reliability of these figures and calculation methods, previously urged those methods equalize.
“Road traffic is different from an industrial company and is also different from a livestock farm. That is why other calculation methods have been developed for this in the past,” says van Luijk. “But we take the criticism of the committee seriously and we are investigating whether we can improve it with the current expertise.”
More than numbers
The farmers in Bilthoven today are not just about RIVM figures. The action is also explicitly aimed at the cattle feed measure of Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten. “We are being pushed through the throat by a feeding measure, the calculation method of which is hidden,” said Farmers Defense Force.
As of September 1, Schouten restricts the permitted amount of protein in concentrates for four months. This results in nitrogen reduction, so that more houses and roads can be built again.
By means of an ultimatum, farmers’ interest clubs asked her to share the arithmetical justification for this or to delete the measure. The ministry passed that ultimatum. The Stikstofclaim and Agrifacts foundations now want to enforce access through summary proceedings.
According to cattle and dairy farmers, the urgency is high for them. They are afraid that the imposed less amount of protein adverse effects for the health and milk production of their cows. The veterinary professional organization shares these concerns. However reports Wageningen University that the crude protein content in feed can decrease without this being at the expense of milk production.
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