Netherlands: Minister Presents Plan to Address Dutch Manure Situation

On September 13, 2024, The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature presented a plan to address the Dutch manure crisis. This crisis is caused by the (gradual) loss of a Dutch manure derogation under the Nitrate Directive (EU Council Directive 91/676/EEC), and has posed significant difficulties for farmers, while incurring high costs. The plan presents long-term and short-term solutions on national and EU level, outlined in this report. The Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (LTO) raised serious concerns about the manure crisis plan, calling it "substantively indefensible" and criticizing the lack of immediate relief for farmers.