Netherlands closing up to 3,000 farms to reduce nitrogen emissions

Lawmakers in the Netherlands want to reduce nitrogen pollution in their country. To help meet its goal, the government is willing to close down operations on as many as 3,000 farms.

The Netherlands has to reduce nitrogen emissions in order to comply with European regulations. Agriculture accounts for almost half of nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Environment Agency said excess nitrogen is killing off native species in the Netherlands faster than in the rest of Europe. However, Dutch farmers said they’re being unfairly targeted. Farmers said the aviation industry should also be forced to reduce nitrogen emissions.

Under the terms of a newly released plan, the Dutch government will pay farmers an estimated 120% of their property’s worth. The Dutch cabinet is asking between 2,000 and 3,000 volunteers to come forward.

If there are not enough volunteers, the Dutch government will move forward with compulsory purchases, essentially forcing farmers to sell their land and leave.

If compulsory purchases are required, it could spark another round of protests by farmers. For the last three years, Dutch farmers have staged massive demonstrations; burning hay bales, dumping manure on highways, even using their tractors to cause a traffic jam that was more than 700 miles long.

The Dutch government will notify which farms need to close in January. According to Dutch News, ministers have until next fall to decide if compulsory purchases will be necessary.