Press release: DWARS Groningen calls on province to stick to nitrogen standards following farmer protests

Last week, it was announced that the Provincial Council in Friesland withdrew the existing nitrogen measures following a farmers“ protest. We call on the Groningen and Drenthe Provincial Councils to stand by the Council of State's ruling and commit to tackling nitrogen emissions in both provinces. Elte Hillekens, chairman of DWARS Groningen, says how important this is: ”There is simply too much nitrogen emission, which has huge consequences for both nature and our health. Something really needs to be done now."

One way to reduce emissions is to reduce livestock. This is generating a lot of resistance from the agricultural sector, with farmer protests across the country. Protests were also held at the provincial government offices in Groningen and Assen on Monday. Hillekens: “We also see that these farmers have become victims of agricultural policy. There is no avoiding the need to reduce livestock. We find it extremely important that this is done in a fair way. Meet the farmers, without withdrawing the policy measures on nitrogen.”

So to protect nature and protect the health of all people here, action must now be taken by our administrators. We are confident that the Statesmen and the colleges will keep a straight back and not be intimidated by farmers' protests, but work towards a solution that benefits us all.