Agriculture
Gelderland Becomes First Province to Impose Strict Nitrogen Rules on Farmers Near Nature Areas
Gelderland has become the first Dutch province to introduce 500-meter buffer zones around sensitive nature areas, such as the Veluwe, to significantly reduce nitrogen emissions. Starting October 23, new livestock farms and heating installations are prohibited in these zones, with synthetic fertilizer use banned by 2030 and mandatory barn modernizations required five years later. Provincial Executive Ans Mol (BBB) described the measures as painful but necessary to resolve the nitrogen surplus, warning that inaction could lead to revoked permits. The decision faced internal conflict within the BBB coalition party, with seven of twelve members voting against their own executive’s plan. Despite this, the proposal passed with support from other coalition partners and opposition parties, totaling 37 votes in favor and 14 against. The province hopes these regulations will facilitate easier permit issuance for remaining operations.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's