agriculture policy brief
Policies for the future of farming and food in the Netherlands
June 2023
I mmediate action is required to protect vulnerable nature areas and address other longstanding environmental challenges. he country’s Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) is strong and has an T important role to play, but innovation alone is not sufficient to solve all problems and some adjustments to the sector will be required. The government should set rules and policy incentives to clearly define environmental limits in a way that directs the AKIS towards public objectives while providing planning certainty for farmers.
A modern, efficient sector facing serious challenges The Netherlands has an innovative and productive agriculture and food sector, competitive in global markets on both price and quality. The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world, in part due to its role as a major trading hub for Europe. Dutch agriculture
is highly efficient, and many products have relatively low emission intensity of production when compared with other countries. The environmental footprint of the sector per unit of output has been steadily improving via productivity growth and technical innovation.
Agro-food trade in the Netherlands is up 400% over the last 20 years A strong innovation system led by the private sector has been a key driver of high productivity and is a central feature of policy – but innovation has not been able to solve environmental problems. A 2019 ruling by the Council of State requiring lower nitrogen deposition on “sensitive nature” made clear that some readjustments to the sector are required. Reducing nitrogen deposition from ammonia emissions to the point where it no longer threatens sensitive nature cannot be achieved by technological improvements alone, and maintaining current production systems will not be possible everywhere. This marks an important turning point for the sector, and significant financial resources have been allocated to support the transition to more sustainable agriculture.
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The government has adopted an approach to reducing ammonia emissions that considers the local context when determining the amount of emissions reduction. This approach seeks to ensure that reductions are as cost-effective and efficient as possible. Working closely with local governments and stakeholders can also help to build consensus. The national government is responsible for setting, funding and achieving objectives, while the responsibility for planning and implementing emissions reductions has, to an important degree, been devolved to regional governments.
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