Today it's all about nitrogen in the Netherlands. This week, Minister of Climate Rob Jetten presented his plans to reduce the country's emission of nitrogen, arousing great indignation among farmers and growers. Today they have organized large demonstrations, thereby partly blocking the country's highways with their tractors.
Greenhouse growers are affected by the nitrogen plans as well, although in a different way than dairy farmers. "In the nitrogen discussion, greenhouse horticulture shouldn't want to dominate the discussion. Solidarity is more appropriate," says Adri Bom-Lemstra, chairman of Glastuinbouw Nederland (the Netherlands Glasshouse Horticulture Association), in reaction to today's demonstrations. However, anxiety is definitely felt by growers, as the plans will affect the growers' use of combined heat and power and other heating installations that emit nitrogen compounds as well. More specific government plans concerning the horticulture industry will be announced this autumn.
For more information:
Glastuinbouw Nederland
www.glastuinbouwnederland.nl