Wobbling government policy causes stress and sleepless nights for farmers

National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen highlights the ongoing uncertainty faced by farmers in the Netherlands due to frequently changing regulations regarding nitrogen, manure, water quality, and animal welfare. This unpredictability leads to stress and impacts family life, as farmers struggle to make long-term decisions. The government has failed to resolve the nitrogen crisis over the past seven years, causing farmers to feel that promises made by authorities are often unachievable. Examples of confusing policies include the National Program for Rural Areas, which lacked funding, and the Program for Nitrogen Reduction, which left farmers in legal limbo. Van Zutphen emphasizes the need for clear and actionable government policies that farmers can rely on.