PBL: farmer away from nitrogen rules, unprecedented transformation of rural area | Inland

Farmers would then no longer be allowed to emit nitrogen at all. “Even if they are organic or extensive or make use of innovative technology” there is no longer any room for this, according to the PBL. And the same applies more or less if the European climate target of ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 is translated one-to-one to Dutch agriculture.

According to the advisory body, it is better to look at solutions per region instead of the current ‘non-area-oriented’ nitrogen approach. Because, according to the PBL, it is ultimately about improving the quality of nature and not necessarily about a decrease in nitrogen. “It is also sensible to weigh up nitrogen measures against nature and climate goals in each area, and to be clear from the start about the long-term perspective for agriculture in the regions concerned.”

Precipitation nitrogen

According to the PBL, the precipitation of nitrogen is ‘an important, but not the only indicator’ for the quality of nature in a specific area. If the nitrogen standard is exceeded somewhere, this does not “immediately worsen the situation” of nature, unless this happens significantly and for a long time.

If the nitrogen standards are exceeded to a limited extent, other factors can be much more decisive for the quality of nature. The PBL therefore believes that ‘the key’ for improving the quality of nature lies in an integrated strategy that, in addition to nitrogen, also considers water availability and quality and the layout and size of nature reserves.

–