Nitrogen plans revised: provinces create their own plan for vulnerable nature

Dutch Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen presented nitrogen plans including cow limits and buffer zones around sensitive nature areas. Recent discussions with farmers led to adjustments in the proposals, aiming for realistic policies. The plan includes zones of 500 and 1,000 meters around approximately 100 nitrogen-sensitive areas, requiring a 60% reduction in nitrogen emissions by 2035. Provinces will have two years to develop their plans, with strict regulations set to apply if they fail. A new threshold for low nitrogen emitters will be implemented sooner, easing permit requirements. The controversial cow limit remains under discussion for potential adjustments.