The Dutch government’s controversial plan to buy up and shut down thousands of farms in a bid to meet stringent EU greenhouse gas emissions targets is facing fierce resistance from farmers across the country. With the European Union demanding that the Netherlands reduce its emissions of nitrous oxide and ammonia by 50% by 2030, the government is pursuing an ambitious £22 billion programme that would see farm businesses purchased at more than 100% of their value or closed down.

Nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal issued an ultimatum to the farmers, stating that “there is no better offer coming.” Under the current plan, farmers who do not accept the government’s offer may face forced buyouts starting next year.

Since the emission reduction targets were announced in the spring and subsequently passed through the Dutch parliament, the Netherlands has witnessed a surge in violent farmer protests. These demonstrations have been marked by road blockades, the spreading of slurry on streets, the setting of straw on fire, and even violent clashes with police.

The Farmers Defence Force (FDF), one of the groups spearheading the protests, has vowed to continue its campaign of unrest. Furthermore, farmers are taking a political route, putting up alternative candidates in elections to challenge sitting MPs.

The main farming union, LTO Nederland, has been advocating for the policy to be dropped, arguing that the Dutch government has unfairly targeted the food sector while showing leniency to other sectors and EU member states. As a stark contrast to the stringent measures imposed on farmers, industrial polluters are facing a less impactful regime of tighter permits, with the permit system for big oil, aviation, and steel companies set to be reassessed after 12 months.

The Dutch government’s initiative has sparked concerns about the future of farming in the Netherlands. While the goal of reducing emissions is undoubtedly important, farmers argue that the plan’s heavy-handed approach could have devastating consequences for their livelihoods and the country’s food production.

The forced buyouts are seen by many as a last resort for the government to meet its emissions targets. The alternative offered to farmers is to innovate in order to reduce emissions, relocate their operations to less environmentally sensitive areas, or switch to entirely different businesses.

Despite the resistance and protests, the Dutch government is determined to see this plan through, as the European Union continues to place pressure on member states to meet their emission reduction targets. The situation remains highly contentious, with the future of Dutch agriculture hanging in the balance.

Akashic Times is the UK’s only online, fully independent not-for-profit newspaper that brings you real news from across the globe.

If you want to keep ahead of what is really going on in the world, subscribe to our newspaper via the subscribe button and join our Facebook & Twitter pages. Subscription is completely free ofcourse