Dutch cabinet sends nitrogen targets bill to parliament, with farmer support

The Dutch cabinet has sent parliament a bill to replace current nitrogen-deposition targets with emissions targets for agriculture, industry and transport, alongside a programme of measures and financial support for farmers. The plan aims to restore nature and make it possible to grant permits for housing and other projects, but it still requires parliamentary approval and depends on further rules and implementation.

Agriculture faces the largest share of the changes. The government says farmers who want to innovate, reduce their farming intensity, change their business, relocate or stop will be able to access support. A substantial part of a €20 billion package is earmarked for farmers; more than €9 billion is available for measures in zones around vulnerable nature areas.

The cabinet says sector-based emissions targets should give businesses more certainty than the existing targets, which are based on critical levels of nitrogen deposition in nature. Agricultural targets will be set in kilotonnes and are due to be met by 2035. The first progress assessment is planned for early 2028, with intervention promised if the country is off track.

Measures will focus on zones around vulnerable nature, where the government says action can have the greatest effect on permitting. They will also address issues including drying out, fragmented habitats and water quality. Provinces may draw up their own plans by September 2028; if they do not produce a plan that meets the national goals, central government rules will apply.

The cabinet plans to introduce a calculation threshold for low-nitrogen projects from 1 July 2027, potentially helping housing developments and farmers whose nitrogen emissions have not yet been properly authorised. That date is conditional: the targets and measures must be finalised, and rules for the zones and safeguards against regional increases in deposition must be formalised.

The government says it will determine in January 2027 which Natura 2000 areas will have zones. It is also due to consult agricultural organisations over the next three months on rules for land-based farming, while discussions with supply-chain businesses are intended to secure payments to farmers for environmental contributions. If agreements are not reached by 1 April 2027, the cabinet says it will make them legally binding from 1 January 2029.