Minister Wiersma's Agricultural Plans Ignite Controversy in Barneveld

Minister Wiersma's Bold Moves on Agriculture

BARNEVELD - Farmers are alarmed by Minister Wiersma's proposals to further shrink agricultural operations, a decision affecting poultry and pig producers adversely. "Ninety-five percent of poultry manure does not stay in Dutch soil, only five percent makes it to farm fields," states poultry farmer Theo Bos from Barneveld.

Understanding the Implementations

Under these new guidelines, which continue the previous administration's efforts to tackle the manure crisis, farmers must return rights to keep livestock if they sell their businesses. This shift in policy aims to minimize the burden on farmers compared to initial propositions. This will have profound implications for both poultry and pig farmers.

Concerns Raised by Farmers

"I must confess I haven't seen the news yet," remarks Bos, showing surprise at the inclusion of poultry farming in the plans. He notes that the Council of State previously indicated poultry farmers are not contributors to the manure issue in the Netherlands. Initiatives in places like Moerdijk have shown that much of the manure is processed efficiently.

Farmers' Responses to the Changes

The farmers' organization, LTO, has expressed their discontent with the developments, citing an earlier manure management plan presented to Wiersma's predecessor, Adema. The introduction of Wiersma's plans without previously proposed measures has left many in shock.